Over the past nine years, THAC have established a partnership with St. Marks, at Sadleir, collecting food and non-perishable items (e.g. toiletries) for those in need in our local community at Christmas time. This process is highly valuable because it gives us an opportunity to use our position of privilege for good in the local community. Year 9 and 10 are actively involved in organising their own contributions to the Christmas Hampers. Here is a reflection from Henry:
On Wednesday 1 November, the College launched our annual Christmas Hamper appeal in partnership with St Mark’s Anglican Church in Sadlier. The Pastor of St Mark’s, Dave Morgan, came and spoke to us about the struggles and needs in our community.
While us students at Thomas Hassall are incredibly lucky to have an amazing education, a wonderful home, and receive at the very least 3 meals a day, others are not so lucky. Poverty isn't just something you can escape, and more often than not, people and their families are forced into circumstances by factors outside of their control.
So with our good fortune we have to help out those who aren’t so lucky. The Sadlier Hampers appeal is just one way we can help out in an easy but effective way. All students have to do is donate a couple of things like toys and food items to make Christmas - an especially hard time for struggling families - a little more bearable. The amazing staff at St. Mark’s will handle the rest.
While those in poverty may not be able to do anything about their situation, those in greater fortune can, and should be driven to help those who can’t help themselves.
Henry L
Year 9
While the Year 9 and 10 Cohorts are making and organising their own contributions to the Christmas Hamper as part of their Pastoral Care Programme, we would love the whole College community to take part! Suggested gifts could include the following: books, stationary, canned and dried foods, hot drinks, lollies & chocolate, toiletries and toys.
Please get in touch with Mr John Williams jwilliams@thac.nsw.edu.au or simply drop your hamper items off at College reception.