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Artist Peter Schell’s expression of the Cana story
“Once the poor lose a sense of community, once the emphasis on care for one another is lost, they’ve got nothing – nothing for the nurturing of their hearts,” says Brian Stoney, of Cana Communities.
Brian believes Australias’s welfare system, athough necessary, plays a part in the sense of isolation often felt among our poor. Hence his excitement about a fundraising scheme launched last week – during Homeless
Person’s Week – whereby recipients of Cana’s services are encouraged to donate money to its projects themselves.
People will be issued with cards, which will be marked off every week as they give 50c to Cana
volunteers at one of its homeless shelters or the Café Cana in Redfern.
It’s hoped that Cana 50c Club will raise a small percentage of Cana’s fundraising budget, but more important is the reminder that
everyone has something to offer others in need.
The Cana 50c Club is not restricted to the inner city homeless; other locals, for example some local elderly, are also encouraged to give their mite, no more
or less than 50 cents.
The idea is also to provide more opportunities for interaction with others who care and increase the prospects for the building of relationships; the club is contingent on regular
contact with volunteers.
Cana Communities relies on volunteers, donations and fundraising activities to run its homeless shelters, café and retreat properties.
It also donates, in turn, a percentage
of its proceeds to other charitable organisations.
Inspired by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Cana Communities’ focus is on recognising and celebrating the value of each person, particularly those most alienated
within society. Part of this involves the celebration of individuals through birthday parties and having special doonas made for crisis accommodation beds.
A new shelter for men has been opened at Christ
Church St Laurence, Broadway. It is initially intended to provide short-term accommodation for men.
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