Service

Christmas Giving

As the year comes to a close we will be undertaking our two regular donation drives. Donations should be brought to Tutor Time where there will be collection boxes. We did a great job mid-year for the winter collections so hopefully we can match our efforts and help make the Christmas season special or more comfortable for others less fortunate.

Students in Yrs 7 – 9 will be asked to contribute a gift to the Anglicare Toys and Tucker drive.

We would like donations of new toys and non-perishable food for Christmas hampers. Anglicare will pick everything up and take it to the Anglicare warehouse where it’s sorted and packed by teams of volunteers. Food hampers and gift parcels are then distributed to people in need through Anglicare’s emergency relief and family support programs and by local churches.

Students in Yrs 10 and 11 are asked to contribute to the Matthew Talbot Hostel in Woolloomooloo. The Hostel provides accommodation and specialised support to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service aims to provide immediate support and accommodation for people at the time of crisis as well as facilitate access to other essential services and more permanent housing. These services range from provision of nutritional meals, clothing, showers and basic medical to intensive case management, legal and housing support, specialised health care, advocacy and  providing a safe, welcoming environment for people who are sleeping rough and have experienced trauma. At this time of the year we are seeking donations of new underwear and toiletries. Suggested items include toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soaps and shampoo, hand sanitiser, body wash, face moisturiser, new underwear and socks. Donated items are distributed by Matthew Talbot to their clients in need over the Christmas period.

Mary’s House Gift Wrapping

Again, this Christmas students will will have an opportunity to volunteer to help out with Christmas gift wrapping at Myer Chatswood in support of Mary’s House. This organisation is run by the North Shore Women’s Benevolent Association to support women and children who need help because of domestic violence. Interested students in Yrs 10 and 11 should look out for a sign-up email in the next week.

Carols Performances

Next week our Jazz Choir will be providing a lunchtime Christmas Carols performance at Bougainvillea Retirement Community. Throughout the year, students in Yrs 7 – 9 have been visiting Bougainvillea at lunchtime to read, chat and help with small tech issues on iPhones and iPads etc. This has been a very valued interaction.

Ms Kria Coleman
Service Coordinator
kcoleman@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9892