Walking the talk to give
Published: 29 May 2011
By: Robin Williams
Walking the talk: A group at St Pius' Primary School, Banyo, on their walk to make a difference through Project Compassion
CATHOLIC schools throughout Brisbane archdiocese dug deep during Lent for Caritas Australia's annual Project Compassion appeal.
Primary and secondary schools that had already spent many of their first weeks of the year at school raising money for Queensland, New Zealand and Japanese natural disaster victims did it all again in the lead-up to Easter for some of the world's poorest and most disadvantaged citizens.
Brisbane archdiocese Caritas director Patricia Ryan said the generosity of students, staff and parents for the 2011 appeal was "absolutely amazing".
"To find so many hearts, minds and spirits are alive to the work that Caritas does with the poor throughout the world is wonderful," she said.
"Caritas acknowledges the extraordinary generosity and efforts of these people who have already had a big ask in supporting victims of their own floods and then neighbours in New Zealand and Japan who have also faced natural disasters but who still got behind us and continued to support the poorest of the poor."
Ms Ryan said small schools such as St Pius' Primary School, Banyo, had increased their past contribution significantly.
"The 200 students at the school raised $3921 this year, up from $841 in 2010," she said.
St Pius' assistant principal for religious education (APRE) Denise Roache said the total was a great effort for such a small school and came on top of a further $2000 raised for St Pius' flood-affected "twin school" in Laidley.
"We had a 'walk to make a difference', which was the culmination of a whole term of fundraising and a great day," Ms Roache said.
She said the day began with a liturgy to celebrate the end of term and the end of the School's Holy Week prayers.
"We all got out then and walked around the block with a lot of the mums also joining us to make it a really enjoyable occasion," she said.
"I was very proud of our little community for their commitment and support for Caritas throughout our whole Lenten journey but the walk was brilliant."
Ms Roache said having Ms Ryan's support on the day was the icing on a great event.
Lourdes Hill College, Hawthorne, also topped previous years' efforts by raising $13,847 during the five weeks of fundraising.
Lourdes Hill service and spirituality captain for Hendriks House Stephanie Stone said the generosity of students was outstanding.
"After having so many fundraisers for the natural disasters occurring around the world, they continued to give from the bottom of their hearts," she said.
Lourdes Hill assistant principal for faith and mission Julie Allen applauded the girls' creativity and generosity.
"I even know of one girl who donated her whole pay from her shift in her part-time job at Woolies," she said.
Principal Robyn Anderson said the college did not recognise the term "compassion overload".
"When times are tough and the needs are many, our students, staff and parents seem to draw even more deeply on the parable of the Good Samaritan," she said.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School in Darra is another school that draws deeply on the philosophy of helping thy neighbour.
APRE Linda Allen said a number of school families lost everything in Queensland's January floods and the rest of the community was quick to help then and still give to Project Compassion.
"We donated $1500 to St Vinnies as soon as we went back to school and we expect to raise around $1000 for Project Compassion," she said.
Ms Allen said that, while some school families had lost every thing in the floods and others suffered partial flooding or lost jobs when employers' businesses went under, they weren't the type of people to come forward and ask for help.
"They keep it to themselves. We really had to dig to find out who they were," she said. "This is a very good community. We are a giving community and always willing to help."
Brigidine College, Indooroopilly, found the perfect way to raise awareness of the plight of the poor as well as funds to support them by selling ice-cold treats during hot, sticky early autumn days.
The fundraiser was just one of a multitude conducted throughout the term including the sale of cakes, pancakes, lollies and other goodies.
Deputy principal for mission Andrée Rice said the challenge for 2011 was to work in partnership with Caritas to make a difference.
"Caritas' focus is on empowering local people to develop solutions to their particular problems," she said.
"The college community set a target to raise $3000. We are well on our way to reaching that goal.
"But, more importantly, the students are more aware of people around the world who are in need especially the women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo."
Ms Rice said the generosity of people never ceased to amaze her.
"Many of our families were affected by the January floods but here they are now reaching out to others."
All Saints' Parish Primary School, Albany Creek, ran a "Farmer-tas" project concentrating on raising funds to support farmers in Nepal to be educated in more sustainable practices.
All Saints' APRE Simon Mahaffy said Farmer-tas gave students something concrete to work towards.
"Last year we ran chicka-tas where we raised money to buy chickens and this year we decided to support farmer education so for every $20 each class raised they knew they were educating one more Nepalese farmer in sustainable practices," he said.
Mr Mahaffy said there was a friendly rivalry between classes that resulted in a total of 200 farmers funded by the end of the appeal.
"We actually raised around $4500 with most of that from classes but our P and F is very supportive of such an important appeal so they also gave us a small donation."
