Catholic Schools Join With St Vinnies in Acts of Kindness

Queensland's Catholic schools are being encouraged to partner with their local St Vincent de Paul Society to support Queenslanders in need as part of Catholic Education Week (26 July-1 August) and the Sesquicentenary (150 years) celebrations this year. School communities are encouraged to participate in some act of kindness to highlight the values of social justice and compassion that are integral to their ethos. In association with the St Vincent de Paul Society’s annual Winter Appeal, schools are being urged to coordinate a collection of basic requirements such as emergency money, personal hygiene products and non-perishable foods to assist people in their local communities. The collection will be part of the Act of Kindness activity that has become central to Catholic Education Week celebrations in recent years.

"Catholic schools have been contributing to the Queensland community since 1845 and continue to do wonderful work in the area of social justice in many different ways," Queensland Catholic Education Commission Executive Director, Mike Byrne said. "In 2009, marking the 150th year of both our Church and State, it seems fitting that Catholic school communities should make a united effort to support their fellow Queenslanders in need."

State President of the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, John Campbell, said Catholic schools throughout Queensland had loyally supported the good works of St Vincent de Paul since its establishment in Queensland since 1894.

"We welcome this wonderful partnership with Catholic Education, and would hope that the spirit of generosity in our younger generations make the initiative a great success," Mr Campbell said.

As a culmination to the project, schools are encouraged to coordinate with other Catholic schools in their district to deliver items collected to their local St Vincent de Paul Society branch on the Friday of Catholic Education Week ... Friday July 31.

More detailed information about the state-wide Act of Kindness can be found on the Catholic Education Week website at: http://www.catholiceducationweek.com.au/ or the St Vincent de Paul Society Website at: http://www.vinnies.org.au/act-of-kindness-qld

[NIB Vol 28 NO 4 June 2009]