Service

Christmas Giving

A reminder that students are encouraged to bring in a Christmas contribution for either our Toys and Tucker drive for Anglicare (students in Yrs 7 – 9) or toiletries and underwear for Matthew Talbot (students in Yrs 10 and 11). All donations can be brought to Tutor Time or taken directly to the Secondary School Office.

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.

Matthew Talbot

Students in Yr 10 have also been invited to sign up, via iLearn, to participate in the weekly service of breakfast at Matthew Talbot Hostel during 2019. Every Monday morning throughout the year, two teachers and three students visit the Hostel to assist with the breakfast. Redlands students in Yr 11 have the opportunity to participate on at least two occasions in this very rewarding experience.

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.

Assistance Dogs Visit

Last Friday, Yr 7 students were visited by Taylor, a retired Golden Retriever assistance dog, and also three beautiful chocolate and black Labrador puppies in training. We were able to hear about the role assistance dogs play in the community helping people with a very wide range of needs. We also learned about the long and extensive training program each puppy undertakes before graduation and being gifted to their new owner. Yr 7 students are to be congratulated for their fundraising efforts, donating a total of $1500 to Assistance Dogs Australia.

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