Catholic secondary students and Fremantle’s Notre Dame University have been hard at work thinking of ways to help others this Christmas.
Students at Kolbe Catholic College in Rockingham kept Society of St Vincent de Paul volunteers busy late last month with a treasure trove of Christmas hampers for needy families in the area.
Each year, Kolbe College students and staff support the Society’s efforts to assemble the hampers.
Forty two of the college’s pastoral care groups were given baskets and guides for how to put together a hamper to help make Christmas special for those struggling with the pressures of daily living.
Each group was given a profile of a typical family or household.
On Tuesday, November 27, members of the Student Ministry Team, assisted by Mr Pat Branson, transported the baskets to the local Society depot for distribution in the lead up to Christmas.
Society staff and volunteers were gratified by the students’ efforts.
Meanwhile, bringing harmony, joy, peace and hope to those in need was front and centre of the University of Notre Dame Australia’s annual Christmas Appeal held on its Fremantle Campus.
Coordinated by Campus Chaplain, Fr John Sebastian OMI, more than 50 baskets were filled with items such as clothes, food, blankets, toiletries and toys ready for donation to this year’s St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.
The Appeal provides assistance to more than half a million people nation-wide who struggle to make ends meet over the Christmas period. UNDA has been assisting the Society in its mission for the past eight years.
The theme of the appeal for 2012 is In every face of despair, we see a face of hope.
Fr John praised the efforts of UNDA’s community.
“These hampers mean a lot to underprivileged families, not only because of what they receive in the hampers but they also provide them with an understanding that there are people in the community who think and care about them,” Fr John said.
“In this time of liturgy, we think of those less fortunate who are not able to fully celebrate the festive season due to the daily struggles of life they face.
“Through this initiative, the University and wider community can contribute to the important work the St Vincent de Paul Society undertakes. It really underpins the spirit of Christmas here at Notre Dame.”
Notre Dame will be celebrating Mass on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24 in Malloy Courtyard on its Fremantle Campus. Christmas Carols will commence at 6pm with Mass to follow at 6.30pm.