A giving combination

Newhaven College helps St Vinnies support the community this Christmas.

In addition to the assistance provided to people experiencing poverty throughout the year, St Vincent de Paul volunteers have been working tirelessly to create Christmas food hampers and gift assistance for those in the community who are experiencing hardship.

Newhaven College was thrilled to be able to help St Vinnies by collecting toys from the College and broader community under the Wardy's Newhaven College Christmas Tree.

This week Newhaven College Principal Mr Tony Corr was on hand as the gifts were collected by St Vincent de Paul volunteers, Linda Sparkes (President of the Cowes Conference), Narelle Mulcahy and Cathy and Howard Jones.

They were incredulous at the generous donations. Linda said that 160 local families will be the happy recipients of the gifts donated and expressed their appreciation for the College and broader community.

"I'd like to thank all the community, businesses, charities and craft groups, including Rhyll Boomerang Bags and Newhaven College for their generous donations to our Christmas Giving tree," she said.

"The gifts and donated goods enabled us to help families in San Remo/Cowes that required support during the Christmas period.

"This year we did it a little differently and asked our clients to come into our hall and collect their Cole's vouchers and hampers; and then they were able to select the toys that were appropriate for their children," Linda explained.

"As well as this we also had Pinchapoo Pamper packs and Share with Dignity bags and toiletry packs that were donated to us.

"Overall this day was very successful and we again thank everyone who made it possible."

Mr Corr also expressed his delight at being involved.

"Newhaven College is pleased to be supporting St Vincent de Paul on their Christmas toy collection each year," Mr Corr said.

"Our school community are very aware of the very important work that St Vincent's do and understand that these donations can make such a significant difference to many children and families.

"We hope to continue to support St Vincent's for many years to come."