Like most businesses in Wellington, St. Vincent de Paul Society closed their doors to the public on March 23rd. However, with the soaring numbers of unemployment and the sudden isolation people were experiencing, Vinnies’ work was just beginning. With a staff of seven, the Vinnies Wellington branch transformed into an essential parcel distribution hub delivering food, baby supplies, and winter necessities.

Vinnies decision to continue operating during the lockdown was due to its dedication to providing welfare services. The decision to adapt to a delivery service was agreed on by key staff and influenced by the government guidelines. Based on their existing support services and because staff had safe, internal access to the Newtown Op-shop, it was clear they could offer three different types of parcels: the food bank changed into a delivery service; the pregnancy assistance service was used for baby parcels; . and clothing, heaters, and bedding were packed up and delivered as winter parcels. 

Millie Lambess, the Communications and Marketing Development Manager wrote in an email, “People’s struggles didn’t stop because we all went into lockdown – for many they increased – we had a responsibility as a welfare provider to continue being a responsive and stable support system for the community”. This type of care and commitment to the Wellington community drives the staff at Vinnies.

To quickly keep up with the community’s growing needs, incoming calls were sent to all the phones in the office, and whoever was momentarily free would take parcel orders. Everyone became the face and voice of the operation.

The Wellington headquarters sits on top of their op-shop in Newtown. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays one difficult task included hauling newly delivered produce up a flight of stairs to be washed, packaged, and then carried back down to the delivery van. With one van at their disposal, they delivered approximately 200 parcels a week to different suburbs throughout Wellington.

For six weeks, everyone’s role in the office adjusted to fit three key jobs: take orders, assemble the packages, and get them to people. Although the tasks were simple, within the first two to three weeks of lockdown they experienced a 380% increase in demand for their services.

The Wellington branch made a point to be accessible to anyone and everyone. Occasionally, people from other parts of New Zealand would call asking for help, and the staff would assist in any way they could to link them to an organisation in their area. St. Vincent’s role in the community offered comfort and stability to people who were feeling isolated and struggling. In total, Vinnies in Wellington supported 1,169 individuals, 703 adults, and 466 children. The team worked hard to offer tangible help and resources, as well as emotional support. As the lockdown continued, the staff found that clients who called to place an order also liked to check-in and chat with someone. Sometimes, being the voice at the end of the phone was enough.

Freedom from fear is a fundamental human right and essential in driving our actions. As we’re propelled into times of uncertainty, fear is a looming presence shaping our world’s ideals. Society of St. Vincent de Paul continues to provide compassionate support in the face of adversity. The organisation’s motto is “people helping people” because it strives to promote social justice through practical and caring ways. Society of St. Vincent de Paul reminds us that freedom from fear begins by helping each other. The individuals who delivered parcels and supported our community during a global pandemic provided us momentary relief from the fear of COVID-19.

Gerorgia Cutter | Guest Writer