Festive efforts not hampered
Mater Private Hospital Townsville celebrated the true meaning of Christmas, with 47 hampers of food, toiletries, presents and gift vouchers donated by staff to distribute to people in need across North Queensland this morning.
The annual donation drive collects essential items for the St Vincent de Paul Society to support all people in the Catholic Diocese of Townsville.
Mater Private Hospital Townsville Interim Executive Officer Stephanie Barwick said the initiative was an opportunity for all Mater People to reflect on the meaning of Christmas.
Mater’s Vision is to empower people to live better lives through improved health and wellbeing, and it is beautiful that all Mater People, both staff and volunteers, have donated their own time and resources for another year to ensure 47 other families in our community will know we are thinking of them over the festive season.Stephanie Barwick, Interim Executive Officer
“Other Mater facilities across Queensland are also donating hampers to their local branches of the St Vincent de Paul Society or the Salvation Army, which is testament to the incredible support of all staff – I want to thank every person for their contribution.”
Mater Private Hospital Townsville Mission Integration Manager Joe McCarthy said hampers would be distributed on Christmas morning to those who were most in need.
“As a Catholic not-for-profit health provider, Mater is incredibly proud to continue to offer spirituality, healing, love and hope to those in need,” Mr McCarthy said.
“It is comforting to know the goods provided by Mater staff and volunteers are supporting real people in the Townsville community.
“We have been made aware of some of the many people who will benefit from this year’s hamper drive: one of whom is a woman in her 20s with a nine month old baby, who had to move in with her mother following a difficult pregnancy and suffering infections from mould exposure.
“It is heartening to know, not only at Christmas but throughout the year, that Mater are here.”
For more information on how to donate or volunteer, visit qld.vinnies.org.au.
