Executive Officer Michael Timbrell has thanked the 1083 volunteers who staff the 28 Vinnies shops between Tweed Heads and Port Macquarie-Laurieton, and more than 400 volunteers who run social support centres that assist people in need.

“This year’s theme of ‘Give a Little, Change a Lot’ couldn’t be more appropriate,” Mr Timbrell said.

“Every personal contribution makes a real difference in the lives of people struggling to pay rent, put food on the family table, cope with rising electricity bills and the need to provide for their kids. 

"More people are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, than is generally recognised, and this is a priority area for the Society.”

He said many shop volunteers have been with Vinnies for years, including Port Macquarie's Debbie Garard, who has been a volunteer for almost ten years.

"I decided to volunteer to put back into the community and contribute to the good work Vinnies does," she said. 

"It's a great way to meet people and spend time with other volunteers. I'm in at least two days a week, sometimes three."

Her efforts include sorting through donations, helping customers in the shop and managing the Port Macquarie store.

"Shop wise we get all sorts of people coming in, not just those less fortunate. Op shopping has become quite the thing," she said.

"Other volunteers and meeting new people is the thing that stands out to me. That sense of fulfilment of helping others is very satisfying. 

"Sometimes we live in our own bubble and aren't of aware of what's going on in the outside world, so it really opens your eyes."

Other Vinnies volunteers assist in areas such as running the homeless drop-in centres: Fred’s Place in Tweed Heads and Pete’s Place in Coffs Harbour.

“We’d like to take this opportunity of thanking all volunteers, both within our society and in the wider community, for their wonderful dedication,” Mr Timbrell said.

“Without them we would be living in a very different world.”