Christchurch’s St Vincent de Paul Society is set to open a new “concept store” this week that will serve as both a thrift shop and a welfare hub for people in need.

Vinnies Manchester, located at 35 Manchester Street, will officially open on Saturday, February 7, following a grand opening and blessing of the building on Thursday, February 5.

The ceremony will be attended by Catholic Bishop Michael Gielen, Mayor Phil Mauger, Deputy Mayor Victoria Henstock, and St Vincent de Paul national president Gerry Stevens.

The store will join the city’s existing network of Vinnies shops, offering bargains on clothing, household items, and linen, while also providing on-site support services such as budgeting assistance and counselling.

“The store will definitely be a thrifting paradise and a recycling hub in the city centre full of treasures, but we are pleased to be able to provide those additional supports for people who are struggling,” said Polly Fisher, St Vincent de Paul business and operations manager.

A key feature of Vinnies Manchester is its partnership with Kai for the Community, a local group that provides sit-down, two-course meals for homeless and vulnerable residents on Sunday evenings. The organisation operates with support from Catholic parishes and other Christian groups, which supply the food and help serve and clean up after the meals.

“This partnership with St Vincent de Paul is a significant step forward for Kai for the Community and what we can offer into the future,” said founder Verity Verster. “We are deeply grateful to St Vincent de Paul for their support and collaboration, which will allow Kai to expand our services and provide stronger, more connected support to the people and whānau we serve.”

Bill Manning, St Vincent de Paul Canterbury president, said that as the new shop settles in, additional agencies will be invited to provide services to those in need.

National president Gerry Stevens expressed pride in the organisation’s ongoing local impact. “We have seen enough headlines to know how many Kiwis are doing it tough at the moment. Vinnies has been providing practical assistance for 150 years, and we will continue to meet the needs of local communities,” he said.

Vinnies Manchester is the first new St Vincent de Paul store to open in Christchurch since 2018, combining charitable retail with accessible welfare services in the heart of the city.