The Mid North Coast now has more than 80,000 residents experiencing poverty, and nearly half that number are at risk. The shortage and high cost of rental accommodation is identified as a major social issue.

Vinnies Volunteer Coordinator Andrew Green said more volunteers were needed to keep up with the high demand.

”Some shops have just enough volunteers to keep open on week days and Saturday mornings, but not enough to ensure backfill if two or three people can’t come in,” he said.

Shop volunteers are proud that Vinnies helps provide a safety net for families and individuals doing it tough, according to the manager of Vinnies Bellingen shop Alison Traynor.

“Volunteering is a great way to help less fortunate people in our local communities,” Ms Traynor said.

“Our support services are funded solely through sales of donated clothes and household items in our shops. These services include food, school clothes and holiday excursions, transport to get to job interviews and medical appointments, and financial counselling.”

Mr Green said Vinnies was urging any community members who might be interested in volunteering to do so.

Just give him a call on 0428 977-454 and arrange a time that works for you to have a try and see if you like it.

There are 1100 volunteers between Port Macquarie and Tweed Heads – some work full days, others a few hours a week or month.

“Thanks to the generosity of Vinnies volunteers we can spend a large amount of money providing vital support for local people in real need,” he said.

Make sure you don’t get scammed this Valentine’s Day

Dust storms heading our way