Schools rally to call for Winter Appeal

Sydney
13 July 2003

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Schools rally to call for Winter Appeal

Schools rally to call for Winter Appeal

Warm socks and a basket of gifts were presented by the school community at the St Brigid’s primary school Mass

It’s that time of the year when schools throughout NSW and ACT, many with their own sizeable St Vincent de Paul Society conference, generously and enthusiastically involve themselves in the Society’s Winter Appeal.

The students are aware of the needs in their own local communities and they work hard and enthusiastically to raise funds, generate support and spread awareness through activities such as raffles, mufti days, food, clothing and blanket collections.

On Friday, June 27, students of Years 11 and 12 at Christ Catholic College, Loyola Campus, Mt Druitt (Years 11 and 12) held a Mass celebrating the feast of the Sacred Heart and the school’s 10th anniversary.

During the Mass, which was celebrated by Jesuit priest Fr Jeremy Clarke, new members were commissioned into the school’s Vinnies conference, incr-easing student membership on the campus to about 30.

The conference co-ordinator, teacher Heidi Portugal, was proud of her students, who, at the peak of the Winter Appeal, had not only raised funds, but had also collected loads of warm clothes, blankets and food for those in need.

Some of the gifts collected were used in the Mass as a symbol of how we as Christians can celebrate the spirit of the Sacred Heart in our every day lives.

Shannon Cavanaugh, the Society’s youth co-ordinator for Parramatta diocese, says: “The students displayed a wonderfully caring and generous community spirit, making the Mass a pleasure to attend.”

On the same day, Mass for students of St Brigid’s primary school, Marrick-ville, saw the collection of a large quantity of warm socks donated to the appeal by the school community.

The socks were packed into five big garbage bags to be delivered to the Vinnies centre in Marrickville for sorting and distribution to the disadvantaged in the area.

Representatives from each grade also filled a basket with their donations as a symbol of gifts to God.

These are just two examples of the many school appeal activities that demonstrate the compassion the young have towards the disadvantaged and their yearning to make a difference and bring about positive change in their community.