As winter began to set in this year, a call went out from Finley’s St Joseph’s Catholic School’s ‘Mini Vinnies’ team for special items to help those in need.
The team of students asked for warm coats (all sizes, both adults and children), gloves, beanies (or any warm hats) and scarves.
The response was very impressive, with those collected being handed over to the local St Vincent de Paul committee last week.
Because of the thoughtfulness of these young students, many families who are doing it hard will be just a little more comfortable this winter.
Their next project is collecting doonas and blankets.
If anyone has either of these tucked away in a cupboard, not being used, now would be a great time to put them to use. They can be left at the school during school hours.
For those who are not aware of this group, Mini Vinnies is a program of the St Vincent de Paul Society designed for primary school students (typically years 3-6) to become advocates for their school and local community by engaging with social justice issues and developing leadership skills.
It's a way for young people to learn about the St Vincent de Paul Society's values and put them into action through charitable work.
The local branch of St Vincent de Paul is always in need of volunteers and new members would be most welcome to join at any time.
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It was just a coincidence that St Vincent de Paul Society also featured in the presentation of ‘Unlocking Hope – No. 16’ by the Berrigan Shire Dementia Alliance last Tuesday at the Finley RS Club.
Guest speaker Shannan Carey from the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) provided a comprehensive view of the society’s activities.
Shannan covered such areas as the comprehensive programs helping young people at both Primary School and High School with homework and ways to engage in the community; help for community members with accommodation problems and assistance to older people regarding elder abuse, family problems and home maintenance concerns as well as many other areas.
This presentation was not just focused on older people and memory loss problems, but was of tremendous interest to all present.
Shannan emphasised the need for volunteers to help with their work.
The alliance will not be having an Unlocking Hope presentation in July, with the next presentation on Tuesday, August 12 at 10.15am for 10.30am at the Finley Returned Soldiers Club.
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The 2025 presentation of ‘The Curse of the Mummy’ by the Finley Amateur Dramatic Society came to a close on Saturday evening, playing to a packed house.
The organisers were delighted with the response from the Finley community and surrounding areas, with the last two nights being sold out.
The producers, Ross Whitaker and Tracy Anderson, were thrilled with the response to an early call-out for more residents to become involved in the event; with the result that some new members of the cast appear to now have quite a fan following!
The group can now sit back and relax with a wind-up evening planned for Thursday, July 3 when they will be able to watch the result of their hard work and commitment by viewing the video taken by Gary Carr, who has been such a great support, supplying sound equipment and filming the production on more than one occasion.
The FADAMS members have already given consideration to their 2026 production with several ideas.
As with most community groups, new members are always welcome.
This year’s event has impressed so many of the newcomers that they are eagerly looking forward to fronting up again next year.
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Finley Lions Club members are to be commended for the manner in which they conduct the Saturday morning wood raffle.
They always front up, regardless of the cold weather, to raise funds to assist the local community.
Winner of last Saturday’s trailer load of wood was Fran Archer.
The organisers would like to thank everyone who continues to support the raffle in so many ways; either by purchasing tickets or simply giving donations.
And, of course, they are always ready to have a chat.
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Items for ‘From Finley’ may be submitted by phoning 0428 293 922, emailing anne.freestone@bigpond.com or left at the Southern Riverina News office.
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