Coastal parish looks beyond its borders
Local
A small group of volunteers from the Victor Harbor/Goolwa parish are doing their best to raise funds for those in need, in particular the community in Comoro, Timor-Leste.
The ‘sister parish’ connection with the Maria Auxiliadora parish came about through a proposal to ‘reach out to those in need’ beyond their immediate community in Australia. The Comoro parish of 52,000 people is located on the edge of Dili Airport.
“It was immediately obvious that the highest priority for the Timorese people of Comoro was for initial ‘action’ in education and youth development,” said Mark Leaney, chair of the Comoro Working Group.
“Detailed proposals for assistance towards a community Computer Learning Centre and a Multi-Functional Centre focused on sports for the youth have been engaged successfully.”
To date, funds in excess of $60,000 have been distributed.
“Our parish, in the true spirit of giving, engaged in the labour intensive task of raising funds through parish garage sales, donations and recycling for cash,” Mr Leaney said.
“This one purpose, to support our overseas neighbours, has brought our parish together. Some of these funds have gone overseas directly and others through the Salesian Missions in Melbourne.”
The next fundraising event is a garage sale to be held on May 18 from 10am to 4pm at St Joan of Arc Church, Victor Harbor. Items for sale will include art, décor, crockery, games, books, furniture, gardening tools, plants, sporting gear and quality clothing.
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