Year 5 and 6 ‘Mini Vinnies’ students at Ss Peter and Paul’s Primary School, Goulburn, have worked diligently to raise awareness of the needs of those less fortunate in the local community this winter.

‘Mini Vinnies’ is a social justice program that seeks to empower primary school students to become advocates within their school and local communities by putting Vinnies values into action. Led by the local St Vincent de Paul Society, students meet regularly to learn about social justice issues and develop leadership skills.

After learning about the importance of having a Preferential Option for the poor and vulnerable, students were inspired to create and enact a plan to help those in need. The group organised a ‘Winter Woolies’ drive, collecting sleeping bags, warm jackets and jumpers and blankets that were donated to the Vinnies Winter Appeal.

“The students were incredibly pleased with their efforts and our local store was extremely grateful for the donation,” said Bradley Brown, Religious Education Coordinator.

The school community was also able to contribute a monetary donation to St Vincent de Paul with funds raised from the school’s recent Feast Day celebrations.

“Our school celebrated the Feast of Ss Peter and Paul with a Mass and activity rotations, run by our Year 6 leaders. We were able to raise over $250 for those in need,” said Bradley.

“The Mini Vinnies group hope that the generosity of our community can help keep people warm this winter and that the money raised at our Feast Day can help the homeless in our town,” he said.