St Vincent de Paul is ready to harness the power of the sun thanks to a $12,500 grant from Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan.

The grant will go towards the existing rooftop solar system on their office building in Magellan Street, Lismore.

“Electricity is one of the largest expenses for Vinnies,” Mr Hogan said.

“By investing in solar, they have the ability to reduce operating costs considerably. These savings can instead go towards helping people experiencing severe disadvantage in our community.”

The St Vincent de Paul Society are an important organisation in all regions across the country. They help and advocate for our most vulnerable people. 

Vinnies NSW CEO Jack de Groot said Vinnies embraces rooftop solar as a way of reducing electricity costs and enabling them to provide more support to local families and individuals doing it tough.

“We are also committed to the environment through Vinnies shops and our participation in the container deposit scheme, which reduce the amount of material going to landfill,” Mr de Groot said.

“Our community support work has continued throughout this challenging period because people’s needs have only increased. North Coast families are struggling to pay high rents, often going without food and other essentials to make ends meet. The threat of homelessness always looms.”

“Our volunteer members are doing less face-to-face work but are still providing vital assistance to the community. This includes food vouchers, accommodation support and advice, and emergency help for people facing domestic violence.”