Thank you evening

Volunteers and supporters of Peninsula charity Mary Mac's Place were treated to a Thank You Evening at the Ethel Cox Community Centre on November 24.

More than 100 community members attended the event to pay tribute to the valuable contributions volunteers of the charity make in providing nutritious meals to those in need.

Fr John Hill and steering committee members welcomed representatives from St John the Baptist Parish, St Vincent de Paul Society, Reuben F. Scarf Memorial Foundation, Everglades Country Club, Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club, Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club, Lion's Club of Woy Woy Peninsula and Rotary Club of Woy Woy.

Project officer Ms Robyn Schacht said the evening was a great opportunity to thank volunteers and community representatives for their help and support in ensuring a future for Mary Mac's Place.

"Mary Mac's Place, along with many other charities throughout Australia and the world, has been adversely affected by the current downturn in the world-wide economy and the effects of the drought and the resultant rise in food prices in Australia," Ms Schacht said.

"As a consequence, over the past three months, Mary Mac's Place has experienced an increase in food costs of 117 per cent.

"The number of our guests has also increased by up to 83 per cent over the same period.

"Mary Mac's Place relies on donations from our supportive St John the Baptist Catholic Parish, local clubs, organisations and the wider community to meet the costs associated with the offering of a helping hand to our guests in the form of a nutritious lunch each week day.

Ms Schacht said Mary Mac's Place was "extremely grateful for the generous support" of small local businesses on the Peninsula.

"Their valuable contribution helps us to provide 90 meals a day for struggling families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless," Ms Schacht said.

For more information about Mary Mac's Place and how to become involved phone 4341 0584 or 0417 671 973.

Press release, 5 Dec 2008 Robyn Schacht, Mary Mac's Place