Minda has formed a key partnership with Vinnies to offer supported volunteering opportunities to clients looking to develop valuable life skills while giving back to the community.
The pilot program, which was initiated in August 2024, will see clients participate in retail activities at Vinnies' Kidman Park and Noarlunga stores, starting in May 2025.
Senior Manager of Community and Lifestyle Services, Daniel Smith, expressed his enthusiasm about partnering with an organisation that shares like-minded values.
“Minda is delighted to be working with an organisation like Vinnies, who we see as sharing both our values and sense of social responsibility,” he said.
In addition to learning valuable retail skills, clients will experience the personal fulfilment of giving back to their community through their work at the Vinnies stores.
“The opportunity for Minda clients to gain hands-on experience in Vinnies stores, while giving back to the community, is something we are very pleased to see come to fruition.”
After months of planning, the partnership underscores the commitment of both organisations to inclusivity and community engagement.
Chief Executive Officer at Vinnies SA, Evelyn O’Loughlin, highlighted that Vinnies values diversity and believes the addition of Minda volunteers will enhance the overall experience at their stores.
“Vinnies is all about people, and having a diverse and passionate mix of volunteers at our shops is really important for us,” she said.
“We know our shops will be even better with Minda volunteers as part of our teams.”
Building on successful partnerships with Food on the Table and the City of Holdfast Bay, Minda continues to explore more opportunities to offer clients a broader range of volunteering options.