Gold Coast volunteer finds her fit at Vinnies
Gold Coast volunteer Donna O'Donnell marks National Volunteer Week as Vinnies calls for help at nearby stores.
What’s Happening?
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland is marking National Volunteer Week from Monday, 18 to Sunday, 24 May 2026.
The Society is sharing volunteer stories from across Queensland, including Donna O’Donnell from Vinnies Burleigh Waters.
This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer, honours current volunteers.
It also invites Australians to see how giving time can build connection, meaning and community benefit.
Donna, 69, is a retired chef who moved to the Gold Coast five years ago.
She is now in her fourth year volunteering with Vinnies.
For Donna, the decision has brought friendship, routine and a strong connection to local community life.
Why It Matters?
Volunteers help make Vinnies’ work possible across Queensland.
Their time supports the Society’s mission of giving vulnerable people a hand up.
That helps reach people facing hardship, while also building connections for volunteers themselves.
“To me, volunteering is a sense of purpose. I literally skip into Vinnies on my Wednesday’s, I just so enjoy it,” Donna said.
“I’m the Shoe Lady, or Cinderella, as they call me. I get all the shoes in, clean them, price them and arrange them, by colour, of course. Everyone just knows it’s Donna’s job, and I love it.”
By The Numbers
2,689 Members support Vinnies Queensland, helping the Society reach people facing hardship across the state.
5,051 volunteers give their time in Queensland, supporting Vinnies shops, services and local community work.
Donna has volunteered for four years, after moving to the Gold Coast five years ago.
Local Impact
Donna’s story shows how volunteering can build strong local ties on the Gold Coast.
She has also encouraged her husband to join Vinnies.
Now, the couple is part of a wider community built around service, friendship and practical help.
“It’s not just about helping others; it’s the friendships you form,” Donna said.
“I’ve met some of the most incredible women through Vinnies, one just turned 79, and I know another lady who is 93 down in Tugun and still volunteers. In ten years, I hope to be exactly like them.”
Zoom In
Donna said volunteering can suit different skills, schedules and stages of life.
As a trained cook, she has also used her skills at homeless shelters.
“I’m a cook by trade and I’ve used that to volunteer at homeless shelters too. Whatever your skill is, there’s a way to use it to help someone else,” she said.
She said people can help in different parts of a Vinnies shop.
“Whether you’re out the front meeting customers or out the back sorting, and trust me, there’s always a party at the back, there’s a place for everyone at Vinnies.”
“It works around your life. It doesn’t have to be a full shift. Even if you give a couple of hours, that feeling that you are part of a community that is helping other people, that’s enough.”
Zoom Out
Volunteering is also being recognised globally in 2026 through the United Nations International Year of Volunteers.
That recognition comes as national data shows formal volunteering has declined in recent years.
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland State President Trish McMahon said National Volunteer Week was a time to thank volunteers.
“Our Members and Volunteers give something incredibly precious, their time,” she said.
“Whether it’s a few hours a week or many years of service, that generosity makes a real difference to people experiencing hardship and we are deeply grateful for the compassion, respect and love our volunteers show our Companions every day.”
What To Look For Next?
Vinnies is calling for more volunteers at Ashmore, Nerang and the new Pimpama store.
The brand-new Pimpama store is set to open on Friday, 23 May 2026.
Those interested in general volunteering can visit HERE
Retail volunteering opportunities are also listed at volunteerwithvinnies.com.au.