Winter Appeal 2026
Vinnies NSW School Winter Appeal 2026
Vinnies NSW supports tens of thousands of individuals and families each year who are experiencing financial and housing insecurity. This year, our Winter Appeal theme is HOMELESSNESS CAN BE JUST ONE SUDDEN CRISIS AWAY.
We are focusing on addressing homelessness, highlighting the factors that lead to homelessness and the support needed to recover and rebuild over the long-term of experiencing homelessness.
The Vinnies Winter Appeal plays a major role in ensuring our Members and Volunteers can continue to provide support to the people we assist and that our services are able to meet their individual needs.
We invite your school community to join us in participating in the 2026 Vinnies Winter Appeal. Your school’s contributions will help rebuild lives and dismantle the communal constructs that lead to disadvantage in the first place.
What you can do
Your school could hold a fundraiser, a donation drive of food, warm blankets and clothing, or make your appeal about advocating to the government to address the shortage of affordable housing.
Whatever you’d like to do, we’ve got the following resources to help you:
- School Activities Kit – for everything you need to know about holding your appeal – including a Case Study, statistics around this year’s Winter Appeal theme and a range of classroom resources to help support your school’s campaign
- How to Give – for everything you need to know on how to donate, check out this one-page explainer (printable PDF)
- Schools Poster to promote your chosen activities in the Winter Appeal in your local area
- Certificate of Appreciation – A Vinnies Member or your Youth Engagement Officer would be happy to present in person.
- You can also build momentum about your campaign and invite people to donate online. The sky is the limit when raising funds, so create your own snazzy event and get involved in a way that best suits your school community! Create your own School Fundraising page now.
Alternatively, our general donation page is where any school or individual can make a once-off donation.
Vinnies School Sleepouts
Vinnies School Sleepouts provide students with an opportunity to get a glimpse of what it is like to experience homelessness by ‘sleeping rough’ for one night. Students gather sponsorship from friends and family for their Sleepout. Schools can run sleepouts in a variety of ways. You choose which grades participate and whether the sleepout will be at school or ‘at home’. Vinnies Staff can support with activities, reflections and resources for the night, or you can create your own.
School Sleepouts must be registered with Vinnies. For all sleepouts, schools can create a school sleepout fundraising page and track their progress. Students can tap into a whole range of Vinnies School Sleepout Resources to help with planning and promotion of the event.
Contact the Vinnies NSW Schools Team
Our staff and Members can also give presentations and talks about the cost-of-living crisis and inspire the community to give to your school’s local Appeal. If you’re not in touch already, see list below to find the contact email for your region:
Armidale: armidaleyouth@vinnies.org.au
Bathurst: bathdio@vinnies.org.au
Broken Bay:
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- Suggested 2026 Winter Appeal Donations List for local regions/Vinnies Support Centres, and Vinnies Vans in Greater Sydney
- Please attach the School Donation Form with your donations to your Conference, Vinnies Support Centre, or Vinnies Vans in Greater Sydney
- Book a free Winter Appeal presentation
- Logistics: If your school is unable to transport donations, please contact the Vinnies Support Centre Coordinator (or Vinnies Vans Coordinator) to arrange a Vinnies pickup.
- Boxes: If your school community is unable to supply packing boxes to transport donations, please complete this form by Friday 1 May. Please do not wrap any provided boxes.
- For general Winter Appeal and Winter Sleepout enquiries (excluding logistics), please email: metroschools@vinnies.org.au
Greater Western Sydney:
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- Suggested 2026 Winter Appeal Donations List for local regions/Vinnies Support Centres, and Vinnies Vans in Greater Sydney
- Please attach the School Donation Form with your donations to your Conference, Vinnies Support Centre, or Vinnies Vans in Greater Sydney
- Book a free Winter Appeal presentation
- Logistics: If your school is unable to transport donations, please contact the Vinnies Support Centre Coordinator (or Vinnies Vans Coordinator) to arrange a Vinnies pickup.
- Boxes: If your school community is unable to supply packing boxes to transport donations, please complete this form by Friday 1 May. Please do not wrap any provided boxes.
- For general Winter Appeal and Winter Sleepout enquiries (excluding logistics), please email: metroschools@vinnies.org.au
Lismore: lismoreyouth@vinnies.org.au
Maitland/Newcastle: mnyouth@vinnies.org.au
Sydney:
-
- Suggested 2026 Winter Appeal Donations List for local regions/Vinnies Support Centres, and Vinnies Vans in Greater Sydney
- Please attach the School Donation Form with your donations to your Conference, Vinnies Support Centre, or Vinnies Vans in Greater Sydney
- Book a free Winter Appeal presentation
- Logistics: If your school is unable to transport donations, please contact the Vinnies Support Centre Coordinator (or Vinnies Vans Coordinator) to arrange a Vinnies pickup.
- Boxes: If your school community is unable to supply packing boxes to transport donations, please complete this form by Friday 1 May. Please do not wrap any provided boxes.
- For general Winter Appeal and Winter Sleepout enquiries (excluding logistics), please email: metroschools@vinnies.org.au
Wagga Wagga: svdpwagga@vinnies.org.au
Wilcannia Forbes: wcfsvdp@vinnies.org.au
Wollongong: wollongongyouth@vinnies.org.au
Thank you so much for your school’s support of the 2026 Vinnies Winter Appeal.
Don’t forget to share your Winter Appeal pictures and stories by tagging us on your school’s socials!
Christmas Appeal 2025
Welcome to the Christmas Appeal 2025
During what should be a time of joy and celebration, Vinnies is expecting an increase in the number of people turning to the Society for support.
This year, we are focusing on the devastating and unrelenting impacts of cost of living and the immediate, practical and emotional support the St Vincent de Paul Society can provide to help people get back on their feet.
At Vinnies, our dedicated Members, volunteers and staff work tirelessly to address the challenging realities faced by many Australians on a daily basis. Materials and funds raised through the Christmas Appeal allow the Society to respond to the growing demand for support and to restore joy this festive season.
We invite your school community to join us in participating in the 2025 Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
- Christmas Appeal Schools Kit – a dedicated kit for the 2025 Christmas Appeal including a Case Study, statistics around this year’s theme and a range of classroom activities to help support your school’s campaign
- How to Give – for everything you need to know about how to donate, check out this explainer
- Schools Poster to promote the Christmas Appeal in your school community
- Social Tile to promote the Christmas Appeal on your school’s social media platforms
- Certificate of Appreciation – A Vinnies Member or your Schools/Youth Engagement Officer would be happy to present in person.
Contact us
Our staff and Members can also give presentations and talks about the cost-of-living crisis and inspire the community to give to your school’s local Appeal. If you’re not in touch already, see list below to find the contact email for your region:
-
- Armidale: armidaleyouth@vinnies.org.au
- Bathurst: bathurst@vinnies.org.au
- Broken Bay: metroschools@vinnies.org.au
- Greater Western Sydney (Parramatta Diocese & Auburn area): Christmas Appeal Information | metroschools@vinnies.org.au
- Lismore: lismoreyouth@vinnies.org.au
- Maitland/Newcastle: mnyouth@vinnies.org.au
- Sydney: metroschools@vinnies.org.au
- Wagga Wagga: svdpwagga@vinnies.org.au
- Wilcannia Forbes: wcfsvdp@vinnies.org.au
- Wollongong: wollongongyouth@vinnies.org.au
Don’t forget to share your Christmas Appeal pictures and stories by tagging us on your school’s socials!
Thank you so much for your school’s support of the 2025 Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
From all the NSW Vinnies Schools/Youth Team, we wish you a happy and safe Christmas season.
If you or anyone in your school community requires support from Vinnies, please call 13 18 12.
Christmas Appeal 2025 Video
Vinnies Service Medallion
About the Vinnies Service Medallion
The Vinnies Service Medallion (VSM) is a state‑wide program that recognises secondary students (Years 7–12) for their commitment to community service, leadership, advocacy and social justice. It provides a simple, flexible way for young people to make a real difference while being formally acknowledged for their contribution.
Through hands‑on experiences with Vinnies initiatives, students develop empathy, confidence and practical skills as they learn about issues such as poverty, inequality and community resilience. The program encourages students to grow as leaders and active citizens who create positive change in their school and wider community.
The VSM is open and accessible to all secondary students across NSW. Young people can participate through their school or sign up independently, and there is no cost to be involved.
Our Vision
That all young people are afforded equal opportunities and are not limited by their geographic, socio‑economic or religious backgrounds.
The VSM is intentionally inclusive, removing barriers to participation and welcoming diverse experiences and pathways.
VRM POSTER COMPETITION 2025
THE 2025 VRM POSTER COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WINNING ENTRIES!
Vinnies NSW Reconciliation Movement Poster Competition
Together with Amazon, Vinnies NSW aim to create a powerful movement that promotes meaningful reconciliation, cultural understanding, and a shared vision of unity.
We want to showcase deadly art, designed by you!
In the spirit of National Reconciliation Week, the theme of this year’s competition is
‘Bridging now to next’.
All mediums of design are welcome – such as painting, drawing, craft or digital. Keep in mind that your design will need to be scanned or photographed and reprinted, and of course, all designs must be your own original artwork.
Winning posters will be featured in upcoming Vinnies NSW publications and displayed at various Vinnies locations throughout NSW.
All children and youth aged between 3-17 are encouraged to participate in this competition and celebrate our First Nations communities.
COMPETITION DETAILS
RESOURCES
This years National Reconciliation Week theme is ‘Bridging Now to Next’- which reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
What does ‘Bridging Now to Next’ mean to you? It could mean coming together, taking care of your animals and plants, caring for your community and family, or even being proud of the strength within you!
We would love to see your own meaning, in your artwork.
Here are some deadly resources and videos that can help you!
WINNERS FROM LAST YEAR
Showcasing inspired works from our past winners…
Christmas Card Competition
Vinnies Youth NSW Christmas Card Competition
We are looking for five beautiful designs to use as the official Vinnies NSW Member Christmas Cards for 2026!
The designs for these cards are used by Vinnies NSW Members to gift to one another at Christmas time, and in some cases, to on-sell as a fundraiser for their good works.
You can use any artistic medium you like – draw, paint, craft, digital design – just keep in mind that it’s going to need to look good when scanned or captured by photo and re-printed. And of course, all designs must be your own original artwork.
Winners will receive a Vinnies Prize Pack and have their designs professionally printed for 2026!
We’re looking forward to seeing your festive designs!
Winning Announcement
There will be five winners, one for each Vinnies NSW region (based on Catholic Dioceses):
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- North-East – Lismore and Maitland Newcastle Diocese
- North-West – Armidale and Bathurst Diocese
- Metro – Sydney, Parramatta and Broken Bay Diocese
- West – Wilcannia Forbes Diocese
- South – Wollongong and Wagga Wagga Diocese.
Winners will be contacted via email and will be announced on the YouthNSW webpage as well as the NSW Vinnies Youth Socials (Facebook: @NSWVinniesYouth and Instagram: @VinniesYouthNSW) before the end of term.
The first name, year level, school name and Vinnies region will be published only with consent given.
For any questions about the Christmas Card competition, please email youth.nsw@vinnies.org.au
Competition Closes on Monday, 1st December 2025 – Winners will be announced before the end of Term 4.
Enter here:
Christmas Appeal 2024
Welcome to our Christmas Appeal schools page!
During what should be a time of joy and celebration, Vinnies is expecting an increase in the number of people turning to the Society for support.
This year, we are focusing on the devastating and unrelenting impacts of cost of living and the immediate, practical and emotional support the St Vincent de Paul Society can provide to help people get back on their feet.
At Vinnies, our dedicated Members, volunteers and staff work tirelessly to address the challenging realities faced by many Australians on a daily basis. Materials and funds raised through the Christmas Appeal allow the Society to respond to the growing demand for support and to restore joy this festive season.
We invite your school community to join us in participating in the 2024 Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
- Christmas Appeal Schools Kit – a dedicated kit for the 2024 Christmas Appeal including a Case Study, statistics around this year’s theme and a range of classroom activities to help support your school’s campaign
- How to Give – for everything you need to know about how to donate, check out this two-page explainer
- Schools Posters to promote the Christmas Appeal in your school community
- The 2024 Christmas Card Competition visit this page to find out how to enter
- Social Tile to promote the Christmas Appeal on your school’s social media platforms
- Video focusing on the Christmas Appeal case study
- Certificate of Appreciation – A Vinnies Member or your Youth Engagement Officer would be happy to present in person.
Contact us
Our staff and Members can also give presentations and talks about the cost-of-living crisis and inspire the community to give to your school’s local Appeal. If you’re not in touch already, see list below to find the contact email for your region:
-
- Armidale: armidaleyouth@vinnies.org.au
- Bathurst: bathdio@vinnies.org.au
- Broken Bay: metroschools@vinnies.org.au
- Greater Western Sydney: metroschools@vinnies.org.au
- Lismore: lismoreyouth@vinnies.org.au
- Maitland/Newcastle: mnyouth@vinnies.org.au
- Sydney: metroschools@vinnies.org.au
- Wagga Wagga: svdpwagga@vinnies.org.au
- Wilcannia Forbes: wcfsvdp@vinnies.org.au
- Wollongong: wollongongyouth@vinnies.org.au
For general enquiries, please email: vinnies.youthnsw@vinnies.org.au
Thank you so much for your school’s support of the 2024 Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
From all the NSW Vinnies Youth Team, we wish you a happy and safe Christmas season!
Don’t forget to share your Christmas Appeal pictures and stories by tagging us on your school’s socials!
From the Heart Schools Kit
From the Heart Schools Kit
Social Justice Learning resource for Vinnies School Students
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has developed this learning resource for two reasons:
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- Vinnies NSW accepts the Uluru Statement from the Heart’s invitation and is proud to support its calls for a National Voice to Parliament
- The Uluru Statement From the Heart is a social justice campaign. Secondary School students may increase their social justice awareness by learning about this historic campaign and putting their awareness into action.
This educational resource has been put together for secondary students who are affiliated with the Vinnies through their High School Conference work or Social Justice groups.
This resource is free and available for anyone to use.
We recommended visiting the Uluru Statement From the Heart campaign website for further education and as the main source of truth.
The From the Heart Schools Kit is made up of:
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- Facilitator Overview: Learn more about the From the Heart Schools Kit, topics covered, suggested delivery methods and curriculum links
- School Workshop PowerPoint Presentation: Learn about the Uluru Statement From the Heart and why the St Vincent de Paul Society is supporting this campaign; systemic racism and the referendum; Vinnies Youth supporting the Uluru Statement and what your school group can do!
- Student Workbook: Participate in reflection questions and pledge to take action!
- How to Meet People Where They Are Activity: Learn more about the act of mutually respectful conversing and enhance your advocacy skills
- First Australians Activity: Social justice resource to increase awareness about First Australians
- Persuasive Letter Planning: Learn how to plan out and structure a persuasive letter
- Uluru Statement Explainer: Develop a deeper understanding about the Uluru Statement From the Heart and what it entails
- Why Vinnies Supports the Uluru Statement: Learn about the Society’s positioning on the Uluru Statement
- Uluru Statement Resource List: Explore a wider range of reputable sources of information about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the First Nations Voice to Parliament.
Christmas Card Competition
2025 Vinnies NSW Christmas Card Competition
In 2025, we received nearly 400 entries in our competition, making it very hard to choose! We want to thank each and every young person who submitted their beautiful designs – it was a joy to go through them all!
And the Winners are…
Caleb, Year 4 – St Joseph’s Catholic Primary, Bulli
Camille, Year 10 – Catherine McAuley, Westmead
Esai, Year 3 – St Paul’s Primary School, Rutherford
Zeke, Year 5 – St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Dunedoo
Edith, Year 3 – St Joseph’s Parish School, Peak Hill
Congratulations to our winners and a HUGE thank you to the students (and teachers!) who submitted an entry this year.
We look forward to seeing your card designs again next year!
Wishing you all a blessed, safe, and Merry Christmas!
Vinnies NSW Youth Team
For any questions about the Christmas Card competition, please email vinnies.youthnsw@vinnies.org.au
