News

The gift of giving

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 14:00:00

A group of young social justice advocates has raised thousands of dollars to help those less fortunate in the community.

Determined to make a difference in the world, the Mercy Action Group at St Joseph’s College has held major fundraising events over the past two years.
The students this week donated more than $7000 to eight charities, including local organisations Zoe Support, Days for Girls, and Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council (SMECC).
The Mercy House of Welcome in Adelaide, Mercy Connect agencies in Ballarat and Melbourne, Anonymous X in Melbourne, KIVA, and the Children’s Missions via the Ballarat Dioceses will also receive part of the money raised.
Mercy Action Group leaders Nicholas Opie and Alfred Joseph said the group chosse to donate $800 to each Mildura charity.
Nicholas, 17, said by directing funds into the community, the students could form connections with local organisations and witness their progress.
“The Mercy Action Group is about developing social justice, so we think it’s important to physically see where the funds are going to, in addition to having national and international networks,” he said.
Alfred, 16, said the college was founded by the Sisters of Mercy, who were all about helping women in education, minority groups, and people without shelter or homes.
“We chose these organisations because they reflect the desires of Catherine McAuley, who established the Sisters of Mercy,” he said.
“We want to support the people in our community however we can, as well as reach out to people who are less fortunate in the world.”
SMECC executive officer Dean Wickham said the organisation was grateful for the funding and impressed to meet young people with a sense of social justice.
“We’ve got some really thoughtful young people coming through the education system who will hopefully remain in the community and become our leaders,” Mr Wickham said.
“These young leaders present hope for the future. It’s really heartening to see, especially in the space we work in as we often see a lot of difficult things.”
Days for Girls Mildura team leader Martine John said the charity ran on donations and would benefit a great deal from the Mercy Action Group’s generosity.
“While we make hygiene packs to improve the lives of young women overseas, our work begins here,” Ms John said.
“The local sewing group meets once a month and has been a great outlet for the women involved.
“As a volunteer you often get more back, and we get so much out of being part of the group as well as giving women access to basic things that we take for granted.”