When reflecting on her role as President of the St Vincent de Paul Home Hill Conference, Kaylene Rinella admitted that the work of the conference can fly under the radar.
Providing assistance to the whole of the Burdekin in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, Kaylene and her team of passionate volunteers provide a hand up, not a handout, and rely on dedicated community support to do this.
“We’re just trying to help people survive, really, help people get through,” Kaylene said.
“We’re seeing so many new families that we haven’t seen before; things are just getting so expensive.
“We just want to be there for those people who are really struggling.”
Kaylene commenced in the role of President five years ago and was vice president prior to that, involved in the conference for over 13 years.
She first signed up to volunteer at Vinnies Ayr when her accounting experience was recognised, and she was invited to work with the conference.
Bringing exuberance to the role, Kaylene has reinvigorated the conference, growing its services and budget to include emergency food relief in collaboration with Burdekin Community Association, emergency accommodation assistance, loans through the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), clothing, school supplies, car and electricity bill relief, toiletries and more.
St Vincent de Paul relies on the generosity of community to fund these activities, whether it be through fundraising, donations of furniture and goods or volunteering.
Recent donations from Home Hill Rotary Club Inc, Home Hill - Ayr Lions Club and local schools exemplify the Burdekin’s generous spirit.
“We’ve got a great network,” Kaylene said.
“I’ve been doing it for such a long time and people have put so much trust in me, it’s wonderful.
“This work makes me feel good.”
Whether it be for picking up and moving furniture or volunteering at Vinnies Ayr, the St Vincent de Paul Home Hill Conference is always on the look out for volunteers to assist their mission.
For more information on volunteering, joining the conference or donating funds, furniture and goods, email kaylene.rinella@svdpqld.org.au.
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