Students visit Mary Mac's

A group of students from Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School in Terrigal have visited Mary Mac's Place as part of their social justice study.

The Mini Vinnies group consisting of Year 5 and 6 students went to Mary Mac's Place to learn more about the day-to-day struggles of local disadvantaged families and individuals.

The program is an initiative of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Mary Mac's project coordinator Ms Robyn Schacht said the volunteers at Mary Mac's Place were delighted to receive a visit from the local school.

"These Year 5 and 6 girls and boys selected this social justice program in order to gain a hands-on experience and an understanding of the circumstances of families and individuals in our community who struggle with disadvantage and multiple difficulties in their lives," Ms Schacht said.

"These energetic young people collected a huge quantity of tinned fruit and assorted food, donated by the families of their classmates.

"Some of these groceries will be used in Mary Mac's kitchen over the coming months, and the rest distributed to our companions in the form of emergency food parcels.

"The students and their teacher Ms Di Lucas joined Mary Mac's volunteers for a special morning tea and were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation as a token of our gratitude for their outstanding efforts.

"It is truly inspirational to see the great enthusiasm of these young people for assisting those in need."

Anyone wishing to make a donation of tinned food, sleeping bags and men's warm gloves is invited to contact Mary Mac's Place on 4341 0584.

Press release, 6 Aug 2009 Robyn Schacht, Mary Mac's Place