St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania is trying to raise $80,000 through its first-ever Vans Appeal to keep its mobile meal and support services running across the state.
The appeal launched on Tuesday and runs until October 31, funding Vinnies Vans in northern and north-west Tasmania and Loui’s Van in the south.
Together, the services assist more than 30,000 people each year, providing meals, conversation and referrals to further support.
Loui’s Van volunteer Christine Lane said the vans had become a trusted presence in communities across Tasmania.
“For someone experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, loneliness or social isolation, a visit to one of our vans can mean much more than receiving a warm meal or a hot drink,” she said.
“We take the time to listen, have a conversation and provide a safe and welcoming place where people know they will be treated with dignity and respect.”
During the past financial year, Vinnies Van services in Burnie and Wynyard assisted 9,299 people, while the Launceston service helped 6,400.
Loui’s Van operates two vehicles across Hobart and surrounding suburbs, making 10 stops four nights a week and assisting 14,433 people over the same period.
Volunteer Jenny McQuilkin said rising cost-of-living pressures meant the services were becoming even more important.
“We continue to see people facing incredibly difficult choices between food, housing and other basic necessities, including people who may never have needed to ask for assistance before,” she said.
St Vincent de Paul Society CEO Connie Digolis said community support would be crucial to reaching the $80,000 target.
“Whether it helps provide food, put fuel in a van or keep a vehicle safely on the road, every donation contributes to something much bigger by providing hope, dignity and meaningful human connection to Tasmanians doing it tough,” she said.
Around $80 can provide approximately 20 warm meals and drinks, while $200 can cover fuel costs for roughly three weeks.
Donations can be made at vinnies.org.au/tas.
