MORE THAN A MEAL
Every night across Tasmania, Vinnies and Loui's Vans provide more than food and a warm drink.
They offer dignity, human connection and practical support to people experiencing homelessness, poverty, financial hardship, loneliness and social isolation. For many, the vans are a familiar face, a safe place and the first step towards reconnecting with the support they need.
Each year, Vinnies and Loui's Vans connect with more than 30,000 people across Tasmania, meeting people where they are with compassion, respect and practical assistance. Because while a meal may ease hunger, it's often the conversation, kindness and connection that make the greatest difference.
Every visit is an opportunity to restore hope, build trust and remind someone they are not alone.
Your donation helps keep these trusted services on the road, ensuring every stop continues to change lives across Tasmania.
Help keep hope on the road. Donate today.
YOUR DONATION MAKES EVERY STOP POSSIBLE
The cost of living continues to place pressure on Tasmanians.
More people than ever are reaching out for support for the first time, while demand for Vinnies services continues to grow.
Every donation helps Vinnies and Loui's Vans continue providing:
- Nutritious meals and refreshments- Compassion and conversation
- Practical assistance
- Referrals to broader support services
- A safe place where everyone is treated with dignity
Together, we can ensure the vans continue showing up for people across Southern, Northern and North West Tasmania.
MEET ONE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS
Michael Hunt
Michael has been volunteering with Loui’s Van for 31 years.
Michael first discovered Loui’s Van in 1995, when he was asked to undertake a risk assessment for the service. What he saw inspired him to get involved, and more than three decades later, he is still helping provide food, connection and support to people in his community.
One moment that has stayed with Michael involved a mother who arrived at the van with her three children in urgent need of food. The team provided hot food, sandwiches and something sweet for the children.
“The smiles, not just on her face but on all her children’s faces, makes the small sacrifice we make worth it”
For Michael, moments like these demonstrate why the vans are about so much more than the food.
“Everyone is treated like a valued member of our community. They have a safe place to come, to be heard and not be judged.”
After 31 years of volunteering, Michael says the need is changing. Rising living costs are bringing people to the van who need a little extra support to put food on the table, while others may be experiencing homelessness or social isolation.
Whatever brings someone to the van, Michael believes everyone deserves the same thing: to be treated with dignity, kindness and respect.
“I always treat people the way I would want to be treated. A simple gesture of kindness can make a difference.”
Your donation can help keep Vinnies and Loui’s Vans on the road, so volunteers like Michael can continue offering not just food, but dignity, connection and a safe place to turn.
Help keep hope on the road. Donate today.
YOUR SUPPORT HELPS PROVIDE:
Meals and refreshments
Fuel and services for the vans
Essentials like toiletries
Practical assistance
Human connection
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Donations for all amounts are tax deductible in Australia.
Where does my donation go?
Funds raised through the Vinnies & Loui's Vans Appeal help support the ongoing operation of Loui's Van in Southern Tasmania and Vinnies Vans in Northern and North West Tasmania.
Your donation helps keep these trusted services on the road so they can continue supporting Tasmanians experiencing hardship.
Who do the Vinnies and Louis Vans support?
The vans support people experiencing homelessness, poverty, financial hardship, loneliness and social isolation across Tasmania.
What do the Vinnies and Louis Vans provide?
The vans provide:
- Nutritious meals
- Hot drinks
- Conversation
- Practical assistance
- Referrals to support services
- A welcoming place where everyone is treated with dignity.
Yes.
Our volunteers are at the heart of the service.
If you'd like to make a difference in your community, we'd love to hear from you.
