YOUNG VINNIES FUN DAY OUT

The Young Vinnies' Fun Day Out for 50 primary school aged children was held at the College on Saturday 17 September (Week 9, Term 3) from 9:00am to 4:30pm. The day was the perfect opportunity for children of diverse ethnicities and socio-economic groups (many of whom have endured extreme hardship, abandonment, homelessness and fleeing from war torn countries in their short lives) to enjoy a day of fun and activities. The children who attended were from an arrangement of organisations: St Vincent de Paul Conferences, Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren WA, Koondoola Integrated Services Centre for Migrants/Refugees and Roseworth Primary School. 

This event was made possible thanks to the Young Vinnies group that fundraised during the year, especially at the Winter Sleepout, to finance the day.

To kickstart the day, the children played games with their Years 10-12 buddies in the Koort Centre. After a morning tea of cupcakes, fruit, juice and chocolate milk, the children and their buddies made friendship bracelets with colourful beads.

After a barbecue lunch, the group was treated to more games, a bouncy castle, face painting, board and card games and a disco. Ice creams, chips and drinks were welcomed for afternoon tea. 

As parents and caregivers arrived to collect the children, each family was presented with a large laundry basket filled with groceries and household goods which were collected during our school-wide appeal. In total, 36 baskets were distributed and this would not have been possible without the generosity of our College families. Special thanks are due to current family, the Pullellas from The Herdsman, who donated the fruit and vegetables and former family, the McLoughlins from McLoughlin Butchers in Malaga, who donated the hamburgers and sausages.

The families were overwhelmed by the generosity of our College community and were grateful to have had a precious Saturday to themselves.

The 55 students in Years 10-12 who volunteered to act as buddies were caring and attentive to their little ones. Some commented that they now appreciate the difficulties of parenthood! Students in Years 8 and 9 were also involved - assisting with cooking, serving food and playing games during the morning session. During the day, 38 staff members, two former staff members and two Alumni also gave their time by supervising and facilitating activities. Thanks are due to College parents Gerrard Dineen, Simone Garbenis-Moe and Mandie Cubeddu who cooked lunch on the barbecue.

The following comments were received from the organisations that nominated the children:

“I am writing to you on behalf of Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren WA, to thank you so much for inviting some of our grandchildren and their families to participate in the Sacred Heart Day for disadvantaged children.

Your support was much appreciated by the 11 families who participated on Saturday. All the children loved the day, and the grandparents were thrilled with the fantastic food hamper that they each received. With the cost of living being so incredibly high now, to receive such beautiful items in the hamper was so special to them all.

We are so grateful to Sacred Heart College for your continued support to our group. Thank you for another wonderful year of fun and support!” -Jan Standen, President, Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren WA Inc

“I received the following positive feedback from one of the children’s parents: Thank you very much for inviting Kamil to the Fun Day Out. He had a great time. You made us very happy. 

I have no doubts the other children similarly enjoyed themselves. Congratulations to you and your team for the great work." - Charles Teh, Whitfords St Vincent de Paul Conference

“My grandson was lucky enough to attend the Fun Day Out. I really want to say thank you again to everyone involved, from arriving to beautiful smiles from such welcoming ladies to Grace and Jess who stayed with Cruze all day. He hugged them at the end and apparently asked Grace to his birthday next year.

My point is 'wow, how beautiful are the girls?!' Cruz thought the world of them and I want them to know how special they made him feel. They are such special ladies.

The hamper was amazing too - WOW...

We are still talking about all Cruz did and how lucky we are.

Thank you all so very much. God bless”

“I would just like to say a huge thank you. Taleah had an awesome day. She was paired with Morgan who was a perfect fit. Morgan showed her kindness and friendship and Taleah said she has a new bestie. 

Please tell Morgan how much Taleah enjoyed her company and friendship. She was on cloud nine when I collected her and continues to speak of the day.

I would also like to say a huge thank you for the hamper I received. I truly appreciate your generosity. 

You have made a difference in more ways than you can imagine, God bless you all.”

"We wish to thank Ava (Year 11) and Mia (Year 10) for their love and kindness.

The Christian Values you are instilling in your students are inspiring! Beautiful school. Thank you so much!

My two granddaughters had the most wonderful day! They will never forget it!! Very Grateful!!

As the tired and very happy children and students left at the end of the day, it was heart-warming to see the interaction and friendships that had developed between the children and our Years 10-12 students. 

Thanks are due to the students and staff who volunteered their time on a weekend to bring happiness to others. This day demonstrates the heart, compassion, and generosity of the College community.

Mrs Rossana Hywood, Mrs Rebecca Puzulis and Ms Michelle Moreton

Young Vinnies Fun Day Out Coordinators