St Vincent de Paul Society

were not game enough to try to carry them on our heads or shoulders. Both groups were reunited before Christmas when the south group arrived at Keesera to commence our two weeks touring of Southern India. Scenic Hampi, the UNESCO listed site, was our first stop. Christmas Eve was spent sun-baking (with sunscreen of course!) on the beaches of Goa. On Christmas Day, we travelled into historic Old Goa to see the burial site of St Francis Xavier. That night we dined in style by the waters of Panajim and were treated to a night of dancing, face painting, balloon animals and fortune telling! From there we explored the delights of Mangalore, including an Indian shopping mall and celebrated New Year’s Eve in Mysore. Our last stop was in Kuala Lumpur to indulge in some shopping and sight seeing. Four weeks may not seem like a long time for anyone to make a significant contribution to a country where extreme poverty is so rife. Shifting sand and carrying bricks may seem inconsequential but to the Brothers and students at BJT Lasallian College in Keesera, our labour was certainly valued as part of the ‘bigger picture’.

Ms Angela Runci

The St Vincent de Paul Society of 2010 can be proud of what we achieved during this highly eventful year. With our members consisting of boys from Years 10–12 our meetings always provided a lively and vibrant atmosphere. In what was a highly enjoyable year, we set out with the aim of maintaining the tradition of the Collingwood soup van and the food can collection for the Malvern Emergency Food Program. But this year we also wanted to bring something new to the table that would be very successful in raising funds for those less fortunate. Over the course of the year it was important to raise awareness of what we were about, and what we wanted to achieve. After much brainstorming we came up with idea of running a House Dodgeball Competition in the College Gymnasium, which proved a great success. The “HDC” was a fantastic experience and it was good to see teachers and students competing beside each other with sportsmanship and spirit and the gym packed to the rafters. This initiative was successful in raising in excess of $400 for our Coolies in India. The College’s chapter of the St Vincent de Paul Society played a role in promoting the College’s annual MAD Day fundraiser, which exceeded the amount raised last year. Our food-can drive was also a success with Mr Magree’s office packed full of cans. These went to the Malvern Emergency Food Program which distributes food packages to the needy. Thanks to Matt Taylor, our Vice-president, Ryan Ellis our Treasurer, and Ryan Moody our Secretary, all of whom were enthusiastic throughout the whole year. Thanks to those who contributed to the meetings. We thank staff members Mr Magree and Ms McPhee who were so helpful and supportive Special thanks must go to Mr Lawler who has been the backbone of the St Vincent de Paul Society

Back: Mr Graeme Lawler, Matthew Taylor, at De La Salle for many Alex Minicz years, and his support and Middle Row: Michael Bohan, Mark Goy, Jack Jopling enthusiasm has once again Front: Michael Badrock, Anthony Kouch, Ryan Ellis, David De Fazio, Nick Ng Absent: Jacob Gooden, John Bohan, Ryan Moody been crucial in keeping the “Vinnies” boys going. We couldn’t have done it without him! In 2011 it would be brilliant to see double (or triple) the numbers in the St Vincent de Paul Society. It really is something fantastic to be part of, and is a way to help those less fortunate then ourselves. I encourage each and every boy of De La Salle College to “get involved, and it’ll be problem solved!” Michael Badrock President