Chaplain

The ever changing situation in 2020 has presented unique challenges for each of us. I am delighted to hear people speak about how it has sharpened their focus in life and given them a deeper appreciation for the blessings they have.

This is particularly true as we approach Christmas: a traditional time of celebration. This year many across the community will have less resources than they usually have and this is even more cutting for the most vulnerable. Our custom every year is to be generous to those who have less security and resources. We partner with Anglicare to bring kindness and joy to families doing it tough.

As you may imagine there are slightly different ways that we will do this in 2020.

In the Junior Campus we suppot Toys’n’Tucker. We would be most grateful if you would donate a toy or gift for a child. You can choose a particular age group. Please bring in a card that has a note of what you donated so we can have a display to remind us of our contribution and spur others on to give as well.

Yrs 7-9 will be helping to collect food items that will be packaged and sent to families in need by Anglicare. They provide food support year round and are experiencing a significant increase in requests for help.

Please bring food items into Tutor Group starting this week. Please no chocolate, chocolate biscuits or perishables. The list below are the sort of things that are helpful:

Christmas cake
Christmas pudding
Tinned ham (450g)
Tinned salmon (415g)
Tea (50pk) or coffee (100g)
Milo (small tin)
Packet of biscuits (not chocolate)
Dried pasta (500g)
Pasta sauce
Long-life milk, custard or cream
Tinned fruit and vegetables (425g)
Jam (500g)

Yr 10 are supporting youth who are experiencing homelessness and have already been instructed on how to support.

Yr 11 will be supporting Matthew Talbot and the many homeless men that they support. It has been our practice for years to support this in serving breakfast through the year but have been unable to do this because of COVID. So this is a chance to be generous to this community. To minimise handling of goods to these most health compromised and at risk people, we will not collect items. Instead we ask that students bring money in from next week to Tutor so it can be collected and then ensure the men have gifts delivered to them as safely as possible. We will not be accepting gold coins.

Alternatively students can transfer funds directly to the school account with the reference of Matthew Talbot. Details are:

Account Name: SCECGS Redlands Limited, ABN: 96 001 336 269
BSB: 032197; Account: 810408
Bank: Westpac Banking Corporation (Military Road, Neutral Bay, NSW 2089)
Swift Code: WPAC AU2S
IBAN: Not needed in Australia
Bank code/Sort code: Refer to BSB
Please ensure that “Matthew Talbot” is quoted in your transfer details.

Redlands is known for its generosity and social conscience. Together we can make a difference to families and men in difficult circumstances. It may seem like a small thing but to those who receive it, this shows respect, kindness and a reminder that they are important.

Thank you for your partnership in this endeavour.

Ms Bronwyn Lihou
Senior Campus Chaplain
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9830

Ms Fiona McKenzie
Junior Campus Chaplain
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022