QUEENSLAND Catholic schools have taken to their hearts the call to partner with their local St Vincent de Paul Society conferences to support those in need.
In association with the society’s annual winter appeal, Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) asked the schools to help out as part of the “Act of Kindness” activity that is a central focus of Catholic Education Week (July 26-August 1).
QCEC executive director Mike Byrne said the efforts continued a long tradition.
“Catholic schools have been contributing to the Queensland community since 1845 and continue to do wonderful work in the area of social justice in many different ways,” Mr Byrne said.
“In 2009, marking the 150th year of both our Church and state, it seems fitting that Catholic school communities should make a united effort to support their fellow Queenslanders in need.”
In Brisbane archdiocese, students at Brigidine College, Indooroopilly, have a “can do” attitude – literally.
The launch of the St Vincent de Paul Society winter appeal has seen the college community donate more than 600 cans of food and raise $400 to purchase blankets for families in need.
President of the college’s St Vincent de Paul Society chapter, Year 12 student Myra Matthews said this year there was a greater need than ever.
“The numbers of people hungry and cold this winter have increased in our community and this is an easy way for us to reach out to them,” she said.
“The situation has been exacerbated by the global financial crisis to the point where the United Nations now warns that for the first time ever, up to 1 billion people worldwide are at risk of starvation.”
Fellow student Esther Hayes said it was easy for each student to bring just one can.
“And we have about 600 girls in the school,” she said.
Brigidine College is working in partnership with the Inala Family Support Centre, who will handle the distribution on donations.
In Cairns diocese, St Clare’s Primary School, Tully, Year 7 students have taken to the local St Vincent de Paul Society shop.
Principal Brendon Alexander said the school had a stewardship committee that was chaired and run by the students.
“The kids in school focus on different aspects each term and they look at things in the environment or with people in the community where they can help,” he said.
“This term to support the ‘Act of Kindness’ activity the Year 7s are helping the local St Vincent de Paul by folding and collating donations, helping to make up care packs and serving in the shop.”
