Leo Holt recalls finishing up his working life when he saw an “innocent little advert” to help set up a new soup van in the Collingwood precinct.

“I’ve always been an underdogs man I guess, and that’s probably what got me started.”

19 years later and Leo is now Co-President of Soup Vans Victoria for St Vincent De Paul Society.

“I had time on my hands, and this soon filled it up pretty easily.”

The Vinnies Collingwood Soup Van provides food to around 150 people 5 nights a week, and serves a BBQ every Friday night in Smith Street that Leo still runs after all these years.

Although available to all Collingwood residents, it typically assists locals experiencing disadvantage.

“People get into trouble, low phases, and sometimes they just need a bit of extra help.”

Leo believes it is the weekly contact and friendships formed between residents and volunteers that is appreciated the most.

“You realise working here that there are a lot of people out there who care.”

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