COME coats, come jackets, woolly jumpers, scarves, beanies, gloves – winter is here, and so has the Vinnies winter appeal.
Swan Hill Vinnies store is welcoming all of your good quality secondhand items for winter – stocking up after a downturn during the pandemic.
Retail operations manager for Vinnies Victoria, Neil Harvey, said the Covid economy had affected donations.
“We are looking for good quality jackets, overcoats, jumpers, and scarves,” Mr Harvey said.
“We have seen a difference, a knock-on effect from people not purchasing new seasonal outfits last year.”
And because regional areas typically have lower temperatures, he said, the demand was higher over winter.
“Our regional shops were brilliant during the pandemic,” Mr Harvey said.
“Regionals supported Vinnies big time, and we want to serve our regional customers with good quality offerings.
“If we don’t have the donations coming in, it will impact what we have to offer our customers, including those in need.”
Vinnies serves 80,000 people in Victoria every week, while saving tonnes of good clothing from landfill.
Various partners take leftover donations and use them for selling overseas or converting into rag bags, while a small percentage is converted into energy.
“This year we will sell six million items of clothing and save a further 3.5 million kilograms of textiles from landfill,” Mr Harvey said.
“So we want to encourage people to give donations directly at the counter – so we can say thank you – and we’ve got a ticket of appreciation to give to everyone.”
Quality secondhand clothing is a win-win for everyone – clearing the cupboards and clothing others for winter.
“We are looking for good quality,” he said. “If it’s good enough to give to your friends and family, it’s good enough for Vinnies.”
Swan Hill Vinnies store is open Monday to Saturday. Check vinnies.org.au for opening hours.
They are also always looking for new recruits.
“We are always welcoming new volunteers,” Mr Harvey said.
“Volunteering has been a challenge over Covid times, but our local crew has been very loyal and we appreciate them.”
