Giving
As we approach Christmas we are reminded of the gift given to the entire world. The gift of a baby boy who would go on to preach about loving one another and loving God, a baby boy who would change the world. Jesus' message was simple, he asked us to care for one another and give what and how we could.
Our community and boys is a generous one. Over the course of the year we have raised money and equipment for a number of causes. Working with Reverend Wright and her weekly Giving Tree Club, the boys have been involved in initiatives to support a range of charitable organisations. They have acquired sports equipment for children in remote communities, run the Coin Trail to support the work in the Senior School expedition to Tanzania, collected winter woollies for Perth homeless and refugees distribute by United Care West.
The boys have used our free dress days to raise money for the Save the Children Fund and the Guardian Angels programme that provides vaccines and medical assistance to children in Laos and Cambodia. Our most recent event, the Ice Bucket Challenge raised considerable monies to assist the work of MNDAWA.
The boys have decided to take part in two more events before the end of the school year. The next free dress day on Friday 28 November, through the gold coin donations, will raise money for Red Cross in aid of the Ebola crisis in Africa. The boys have been working with Reverend Wright to make teddy bears that will be given as presents to children who will receive very little this Christmas.
On Monday 10 November, Mac Manlin the Senior School Vice Captain, came to speak to the Junior School. He spoke about the people in WA who were not as fortunate as us, those who will go without presents or proper food over the holidays. He asked the boys to consider how these children and their families would feel. Mac encouraged the Junior School community to support the work of Uniting Care West and be involved in Operation Santa.
Operation Santa, through Uniting Care West, will brighten the Christmas for needy children and families. The canned goods and non-perishable items drive asks for donations that will go to families in need. The Christmas gift shoebox drive asks the boys to put together a shoebox that contains small items for children such coloured pencils or markers, a small colouring book or coloured paper; underwear and socks; soap, toothbrushes, hairbrush or comb; and toys, games or books with no small or missing parts/pages. These gifts will be given to disadvantaged children.
On Wednesday 26 November, the day our boys will enjoy their Christmas lunch, we ask that boys bring in their canned goods and Christmas shoeboxes. They will be gathered together with the donations from the rest of the College and given to Uniting Care West to distribute.
Every small gesture makes a difference and the opportunity to give and to show our principled nature should not be missed. I encourage all families to support these worthy causes.
Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School
