When winter is at its peak, impoverished families struggle to find warmth. Many cannot afford to buy warm clothing or blankets, even more so now, after the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns prevented many from earning liveable wages. In addition, those who have no home, or people living on the street, are among the most vulnerable.

The following correspondence came to us from St Vincent de Paul Society (June, 2021): 

Winter is definitely here, and though it feels like it started a month ago, it’s only getting colder. For the 3 million Australians experience poverty, this is an increasingly stressful time. Hidden in this statistic is over 739,000 children aged 12 and under experiencing poverty and 25,000 children under 18 experiencing homelessness.

The Vinnies Winter Appeal provides emergency relief to people at risk and experiencing homelessness. Your donation and support will help ensure that families get the financial and emotional support they need to keep themselves and their children safe.

Particularly in these colder months we ask for:

• Blankets
• Large Jackets
• Large Jumpers
• Warm Gloves and Socks
• Sleeping Bags

These donations then go directly to people in need in your community or sold at our Vinnies Centres to generate funds for other forms of assistance like case management and assistance with utility bills.

By supporting the 2021 Vinnies Winter Appeal, you are helping provide support to more than 40,000 people from the Canberra/ Goulburn region who are currently living in poverty. We are so grateful for your support! 

Support those doing it tough by donating to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Any donations of blankets, jumpers, scarves, knitted socks, coats, and so on, would be greatly appreciated. These donations can be left at our school’s front office or taken directly to the St Vincent De Paul Society. Your generosity will help support those in our community experiencing additional burdens during winter.

Prayer for the Cold and Homeless

God of compassion,
your love for humanity was revealed in Jesus,
whose earthly life began in the poverty of a stable
and ended in the pain and isolation of the cross:
we hold before you those who are homeless and cold
especially in this bitter weather.
Draw near and comfort them in spirit
and bless those who work to provide them
with shelter, food and friendship.
We ask this in Jesus' name.
Amen

Daily Prayer: Prayer for the Cold and Homeless (thedailyprayerblog.blogspot.com)

Danielle Schneider

Acting Religious Education Coordinator