St Vincent de Paul supports the people of the Waikato
St Vincent de Paul is committed to honouring the Waikato people by steadfastly upholding the principles of the Kiingitanga. With a deep sense of respect and solidarity, we acknowledge the rich culture, lands, waters, and histories of the Waikato people, affirming their rights to live in a society free from economic, social, and cultural oppression. Recognising the importance of the principles of Whakaiti (Humility), Whakapono (Trust & Faith), Aroha (Love & Respect) , Rangimaarie (Peace & Calm), Manaakitanga (Caring), Kotahitanga (Unity), and Mahi Tahi (Collaboration), we strive to integrate these values into our every day practise.
We openly acknowledge and address past and ongoing injustices, committing ourselves to building a future rooted in understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. Our members, volunteers, and staff are dedicated to embodying these principles, fostering a culture of inclusivity, compassion, and cooperation in all our endeavours.
The History of St Vincent de Paul in the Waikato
Vinnies boasts a rich history in Kirikiriroa spanning over six decades. Initially serving as a night shelter for the homeless on High Street during the early 1960s, the establishment provided essential lodging and meals, alongside operating as a clothing retail space during daylight hours. Following the closure of the Waikato Mental Hospital, Vinnie’s became a crucial refuge for many former patients. However, a surge in shelter occupants led to heightened violence, prompting its closure in the 1970s, with only the clothing store remaining operational.
In 1996, Vincentian John Smulders purchased and transformed a bottle store into what is now the Vinnie’s Centre. This facility evolved into a versatile hub, accommodating drop-in services and the storage of donated goods and furniture. With its growth, Vinnies expanded its outreach, introducing initiatives like the night van for the Loaves and Fishers project, as well as budgeting assistance and community meals.
Around 2000, Vinnies Hamilton seized the opportunity to broaden its impact further, acquiring the vacated premises of Kaute Pasifika and establishing the Vinnies Furniture Shop. Under the stewardship of Mike Rolton, the organisation expanded its services, opening the Chartwell shop in 2013, the Glenview shop in 2015, and the Linen shop in Frankton in 2018. Today, Vinnie’s Waikato remains at the forefront of charitable efforts in the region, extending invaluable support and guidance to those in need.
St Vincent de Paul Hamilton (Vinnies) is a Waikato based non-for-profit organisation that’s overarching goal is to protect and care for the most vulnerable in the community.
With a dedicated team of over 100 volunteers, united in the mission of aiding the less fortunate, Vinnies Hamilton embodies the ethos of “people helping people.” Through provisions of food assistance, financial aid, and unwavering support, this non-profit organisation diligently restores fundamental human rights, thereby uplifting the lives of numerous vulnerable individuals within our Waikato community.
Embedded within our charitable endeavours is the profound belief encapsulated by the adage, “with my food basket and your food basket together; we can help the people.” We recognise that the impactful work we undertake is made possible only through the steadfast support and generosity of others. It is through the infusion of funding and donations that we harness these resources to extend aid to those who find themselves in circumstances where self-help seems unattainable.
At Vinnies Hamilton, we acknowledge the occasional need for support within our community. Life’s journey often presents unpredictable and daunting challenges. Hence, we offer a comprehensive array of services and assistance that are not only beneficial but also delivered with utmost empathy and respect, devoid of judgment.
Our operations are sustained by five shops and an online store, strategically located within Kirikiriroa Hamilton, where donated clothing and various goods are sold. Collaborating closely with agencies such as MSD, Police, DHB, Kaute Pasifika, Family Start, Salvation Army, Department of Corrections, and others within the Hamilton city framework, we ensure the safety and well-being of our community remains paramount, fostering a culture of protection and care.
Vinnies Hamilton Vision and Goals
Here at Vinnie’s, our goal is to help people in genuine need in our community. We offer a range of services guided by our vision to deliver aroha, support, and guidance to our Waikato Whanau.
Our Core Values
Here at St Vincent de Paul, we pride ourselves on upholding and integrating values into every aspect of our business. These values form the foundation of our non-for-profit organisation and are embedded into our daily practices.
- Generosity – Giving of oneself and one’s time.
- Integrity – Promoting, maintaining and adhering to our Vision, Mission and Values.
- Compassion – Welcoming and serving all in need with understanding and without judgement.
- Empathy – Establishing relationships with those in need based on respect, trust, friendship, and perception arising from actively listening to them.
- Responsiveness – Identifying and responding to unmet needs of the poor, the lonely, the marginalised, and the dispossessed.
- Advocacy – Helping those in need to navigate bureaucracy to secure their rightful entitlements to welfare and to actively work in conjunction with other like-minded organisations to transform the causes of poverty, and challenge injustice.
- Commitment – Fidelity and passion in service of our Vision, Mission and Values.
- Respect – Serving all in need regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender or political persuasion.
- Courage – To ask for forgiveness and to forgive, to be merciful, and to pray courageously for the grace to serve, to love our neighbour and to be close to those who are lonely and in difficulty.
