The spirit of giving from the OLGC community has had a profound impact far beyond Forestville, touching the lives of African refugee families in NSW and even drawing attention from high-level officials.

A recent update from Morris, a Ugandan humanitarian worker and friend of OLGC, shared the heartwarming news that the clothes generously donated by OLGC families have been distributed to African Australian families from countries including Ghana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda. However, it wasn’t just the material gifts that stirred emotions.

Accompanying the donations were handmade Christmas cards thoughtfully written by OLGC’s Year 6 students. The personal messages sparked many happy tears among recipients, creating cherished moments of connection and understanding.

So impactful was this act of kindness that it reached the Ugandan High Commissioner and the local Federal Member of Parliament, both deeply moved by the gesture. They acknowledged the unique and heartfelt nature of the initiative, noting they had never seen anything quite like it before.

Reflecting on the far-reaching effects, Bill Clark, OLGC Parishioner and local St Vincent de Paul coordinator, who facilitated the donation drive, likened the outcome to “a pebble thrown into water,” with ripples of joy extending farther than anyone could have imagined.

As Christmas approaches, the OLGC community can be proud of how their compassion and thoughtfulness have transcended borders, bringing hope and happiness to those in need. This remarkable act reminds us all of the true meaning of the season—generosity, empathy, and love.