"I've always been an active volunteer because of I know that many community organisations which provide activities for our youth and the aged or disabled would not exist without a base of volunteers.

I also get satisfaction from assisting someone in a less fortunate position than myself - that nice fuzzy feeling that your actions and efforts are appreciated by another human being."

Ray Freeman

The St Vincent de Paul Society Mitcham Conference

The St Vincent De Paul Society has been helping Victorians in need since 1854. The Whitehorse Community Chest supports several branches of the Society in our community.

Dorothea O'Farrell, of St Vincent De Paul Mitcham Conference explains how funding from the Whitehorse Community Chest helps community members needing assistance.

"We visit people in their homes after receiving requests for material assistance. On an annual basis, we could distribute Coles shopping vouchers totalling about $9,000, and large amounts of food and other non-perishable grocery items. We also pay outstanding bills such as telephone, chemists, car registration, electricity, gas and rent when circumstances merit it. In addition to cash donations from the Whitehorse Community Chest and other benefactors, we also get goods from Victorian Food Relief, which are all donated by businesses. Funding from the Whitehorse Community Chest enables us to maintain this service, especially as the need grows."