EDUCATION in the Mercy tradition has always been about outreach to those in need, the students at St Mary’s College, Ipswich, have continued this tradition with their annual St Vincent de Paul Society Appeal.
At an assembly on the last day of school for 2010, the girls presented the society’s local conference president Owen Wildie with more than 50 baskets of groceries and toys for distribution to those in need.
“This will mean that our most needy families will be able to have a real Christmas,” Mr Wildie said.
“With the economic downturn, the St Vincent de Paul Society has more calls on its resources than ever this year. The generosity of the students and teachers of St Mary’s College helps us to make a difference.”
Campus minister Jayne Johanson co-ordinated the appeal again this year and was overwhelmed with the response.
“It just seems to get bigger every year,” Ms Johanson said.
Ms Johanson’s own generosity was recognised recently when she received an award from the Little Kings Movement for the Handicapped for her work co-ordinating teams of students to help out at the organisation’s monthly celebration.
“I was proud to accept the award on behalf of our girls who give up their Sundays so that these special people can have some fun,” Ms Johanson said.
It seems that the tradition of the founder of the Sisters of Mercy Catherine McAuley and the Mercy Sisters, who founded the college, is alive and well at St Mary’s.
