From the Chaplain

Toiletries and Pet Supplies Charity Drive

Thanks again to all of those who were able to donate food to our Harvest Festival drive. We literally had a truckload of food to take to the Vinnies Redfern Community Centre and they were very appreciative. The number of people that are using this centre has increased dramatically over the last 12 months, so it was good to be able to restore their food shelves. Unfortunately, there are still items that they are in desperate need of as more and more people are struggling financially. Over the next few weeks, I would like to collect toiletries to provide to the centre. These items include toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, sanitiser, combs or brushes, sanitary pads etc. The other area of need is pet supplies. A number of people who use the centre have pets that are often their only companion and provide comfort and love, especially during tough times. Some of these people live on the street or by themselves in public housing. Again, many of these people can’t afford to buy the essentials to look after their animals and this becomes another point of frustration and worry for them. I am asking for donations of pet food (including birdseed) and pet accessories (eg. bowls, collars, leashes, beds, etc. New or used but in good condition) to be given to the centre for distribution amongst their clientele. There will be two separate baskets outside of the chapel, clearly labelled, where donations can be left. If items could be brought in by Friday 24 March that would be fantastic.

Garry Lee-Lindsay
School Chaplain