Padua students dig deep for Timor

Published: 11 July 2010
By: Robin Williams

Kedron parish's assistant pastor Franciscan Father Brian Lester accepts a cheque from Padua primary school captain Thomas Fall and the senior college captain Sam Foster 

THE poor and the disabled are the big beneficiaries from the latest fundraising efforts from Padua College students.

Students presented a cheque for $27,540 to the Franciscan Friars in June to support a brother Franciscan school in Timor-Leste.

The money was raised through individual sponsorship of students in the Kedron college's annual inter-house cross country championships.

Padua's vice-rector for formation Michael O'Brien said the whole community supported the event each year.

"This is the fifth year we have been involved with the staff and students of St Francis of Assisi School in Timor-Leste," Mr O'Brien said.

"This event has only been so successful because of the determination and commitment of one of our teachers, Mark Taylor.

"Mark has been instrumental in promoting and encouraging students to be active in this Franciscan appeal each year."

Mr O'Brien, along with Mr Taylor and two students, will visit the Timor-Leste school later in the year to further develop the relationship and assess its needs.

A second cheque for almost $10,000 was presented to the Little King's Movement for people with disabilities.

The $9256 raised by Padua students was almost half the total amount collected in the Brisbane area by other schools.

Mr O'Brien said students collected from their neighbours, friends and family earlier in the year for the charity that provides respite for people with disabilities.

"The response is usually generous, but this year's total is exceptional," he said.

"Representatives from Little King's felt moved to address the boys personally at a school assembly earlier this month."