This mission comes alive in many ways, but perhaps most visibly through the reinvigoration of our St Vincent de Paul Group. Originally established in the 1930s, the group has seen a vibrant resurgence in recent years, thanks to the dedication of staff, including Mr Sean Carr, Mr Anthony Callisto, and Ms Olivia Jobson.
More than 100 committed students and staff give up their break times each week to prepare sandwiches for Vinnies SA. These meals are then served to those in need through Fred’s Van service every Thursday evening. The kitchen buzzes with energy, laughter, teamwork, and a deep sense of purpose. James Vu, a student volunteer who contributes every week, reflects, ‘I’m lucky enough to be able to support people who can’t afford food. It means a lot to be able to do this.’
Evelyn O’Loughlin, CEO of Vinnies SA, praised the initiative: “We love how CBC staff and students are showing their empathy and compassion by putting in the time and effort to make sandwiches for Fred’s Van,” she says.
“Every one of those sandwiches makes a difference in someone’s life. We are truly grateful for CBC’s contribution to our safety net for South Australians in need.”
But the story of service doesn’t end there. CBC’s Service-Learning Program runs year-round across both our Junior and Senior Campuses, incorporating a wide range of experiences that help students grow as people of conscience and action. An example of this is our Winter Sleepout, where students experience a night without shelter to raise funds for those facing homelessness; by sleeping ‘rough’, they build empathy for those less fortunate than themselves, and by volunteering their time as leaders at Edmund Rice holiday camps. By offering friendship and care to the children, they learn leadership and better understand their own gifts and talents.
Even our youngest students on the Junior Campus are encouraged to give back through simple but powerful acts of kindness and participation in awareness projects, like annual cereal and can drives, donation days and many other meaningful activities.
At CBC, service is a way of life. By walking alongside others, our students are learning to build a more hopeful, just, and compassionate world.
Discover a welcoming community at Christian Brothers College. Go to cbc.sa.edu.au
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