Trading fines for food with Vinnies Christmas Appeal

CHRISTMAS: As excitement builds towards Christmas, Yass Valley residents are reminded to spare a thought for those in need and who may require a helping hand at this time of the year.

Last year the Canberra and Goulburn archdiocese of St Vincent De Paul Society, which covers Yass Valley, delivered 3000 hampers during their annual Christmas Appeal.

These hampers contained non-perishable food or presents for children.

Yass Valley Council has thrown its support behind this year’s St Vincent De Paul Society Christmas Appeal by allowing members of the public to donate non-perishable food as “payment” for their outstanding library fees.

A spokeswoman said about $1000 is owed in fines to Yass Library and residents now had the opportunity to “wipe their slate clean” by trading one donated item of food for $5 worth of fines.

The Feast for Fines campaign started this week and will run for two weeks.

“Council was approached by Vinnies for a cash donation to assist with their Christmas Appeal, but having already exhausted our charitable donations fund this year we have instead offered to assist with the Feast for Fines campaign at Yass Library,” said mayor Rowena Abbey.

“Vinnies do such an amazing job in our local community and council wanted to help in some way, and while we couldn’t make a financial contribution we hope that Feast for Fines will assist in some way.”

Yass Vinnies President Michael Van Wanrooy was grateful for the assistance.

“We are very thankful for the support shown by council, as well as the many other local businesses that are assisting in our Christmas Appeal,” he said.

“Christmas should be a happy time but for families doing it tough it can be a really hard time of year. It is a pretty special thing to be able to provide a food or present package to a family and seeing their delight and appreciation.”

Yass Library will also be accepting non-perishable food donations from members of the public who would simply like to make a donation, not just from people paying off fines.

If you or your family requires support from the St Vincent De Paul Society please call 02 6234 7451.

Yass Library (and outposts in Murrumbateman and regional areas) has agreed to wipe your library fees slate clean during the Feast for Fines campaign. One donated item of food can be traded for $5 worth of fines.