The St Vincent de Paul Society could soon have a home in Gloucester following discussions into a potential charity store.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
St Vincent de Paul Society Maitland/Newcastle diocesan executive officer Denise Lucas confirmed the organisation has looked into opening a Vinnies store in the town after speaking with a real estate agent and the Gloucester Chamber of Commerce.
Gloucester is home to several charity stores such as St Paul’s and the Red Cross, a fact which Ms Lucas said would impact on the charity’s ultimate decision.
“I understand that there are currently two op shops in Gloucester so obviously we would need to ensure that there is a need and that we would not be having a negative impact on other charity shops,” Ms Lucas said.
If a charity store would not be beneficial to the community, the organisation has discussed opening a branch to provide assistance to the community instead.
As it is a Catholic based organisation, Ms Lucas said the local parish would need to support the venture in addition to identifying a suitable location for the charity store or branch.
For now, she said the idea is a work in progress.
“I am keen to visit the area again and look at any possibilities,” Ms Lucas said.
St Vincent de Paul Society charity stores are found across the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions such as Taree, Forster, Dungog, Medowie and Raymond Terrace.