Lasallian Youth Leaders

THE SOUP VAN:

Lasallian Youth Leaders have been volunteering their time after school to take part in the Joey’s Van outreach program. Operating out of St. Joseph’s Parish in Springvale, this ministry provides food and companionship to those less fortunate in the wider community. We’ve spent Monday and Friday evenings outside a shopping mall in Dandenong distributing wholesome meals, sausages, snacks and hot drinks to the marginalized in our community.

It has been striking to see some of the conditions the people were in. Some had physical and hygiene issues probably due to their living conditions. Many might think this is uncommon in Australia. However, seeing many in one night really made us reflect on how the majority of us are extremely fortunate to have clean clothes, a roof over our heads and food on the table. These homeless people have next to nothing, yet could happily engage in a conversation about their lives with a smile on their face. It makes me think about the times when I complain about those insignificant “first world problems”. People had a great appreciation for the food provided. Many insisted on taking extras “home” to ensure that no food went to waste. This incident reminded me of how easy it can be to turn a blind eye when it comes to the wastage of food, despite many struggling for such necessities.

Joey’s van is a very rewarding experience for everyone involved. We are grateful to St Joseph’s, Springvale for allowing us to participate and for the staff who also volunteer their time to accompany us.

By Tyler Alphonso 11.13

The JUNIOR RETREATS

This year, the Lasallian Youth Leaders volunteered our time to get to know the newest Beda boys, our Year 7 and 8 students. Through the Retreat experiences with the younger students, guiding the students to learn more about St John Baptist De La Salle, St Bede the Venerable and the value of faith has helped us to grow in confidence as senior students.

The main goals of the Retreat for the students are to learn about the life of St John Baptist de la Salle, St Bede the Venerable and the place of faith in our lives and in this community. Also, they get to know their other peers better, the college’s guiding principles, and the senior students as their older brothers. I have enjoyed being a mentor for the younger students and providing them with an idea of what it means to be Lasallian and how we all grow into great Beda men.

By Nic Cunningham 11.28