June 18, 2021
Students at St Mary’s Catholic College have been thinking a lot lately about winter, and how some people find it especially tough.
Recently 34 students from Years 6-12 slept out at the college to raise awareness about poverty and homelessness as well as funds to support the Vinnies Winter Appeal.
The students would have been grateful the weather was relatively kind … the mercury only dropped to 4 degrees. Just a day later Kingaroy hit zero …
Several teachers as well as members of the local St Vincent de Paul Conference joined the sleepout.
The students slept on very basic bedding and some made makeshift shelters out of cardboard.
Their evening meal was just a cup of soup and toast (the soup kindly made by members of St Mary’s staff).
The sleepout and a free dress day at the school raised $626 which was donated to the Vinnies Winter Appeal.
The St Mary’s students also collected groceries to donate to Vinnies for distribution.
Local St Vincent de Paul Conference president Mary James said Vinnies were very grateful to St Mary’s College for their ongoing support.
Special thanks to the students and families of St Mary’s Catholic College for their ongoing generosity to their local Vinnies Conference through their donations of food. Vinnies is very grateful to the amazing students and staff who slept rough for that night to show solidarity and support for those doing it tough.