A Heartfelt Winter Appeal – Compassion in Action

June 26, 2025

This week, the warmth of our Santa Maria College community was on full display at our Outreach Mass, the conclusion to our annual Winter Appeal.

In a powerful show of compassion and service, students, staff and families came together this term to offer meaningful support to those doing it tough this winter.

Giving With Purpose

Over the past weeks, our Homerooms collected around 200 red bags filled with non-perishable food, toiletries and socks, scarves and beanies. These bags, carried out by our Year 12 students after the Mass, were delivered directly to the waiting cars of three charitable organisations we proudly support:

Shopfront – accepted by Damian Walsh
St Patrick’s Community Support Centre (Fremantle) – accepted by Traci Cascioli
St Vincent de Paul Society – accepted by Ugo Landro

In addition, members of our Old Girls’ Association donated $3,095. This vital funding will help these organisations continue their life-changing work in our local community.

Living Our Mercy Values

At the heart of the Outreach Mass was a shared commitment to our Mercy values of Compassion and Service. These values aren’t just words we speak – they are actions we take. As pilgrims of hope during this Jubilee Year, we are reminded that each step towards justice and dignity brings us closer to the change we hope to see in the world.

We are continually inspired by the words of scripture that guide our mission:
“For I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was naked, and you clothed me.” (Matthew 25:35)

A Community That Cares

Service Learning Coordinator Liz van der Zanden captured the spirit of the day perfectly:

“It is pleasing to see the Santa Maria community’s sincere effort to live out their beliefs by offering meaningful support to those most in need.”

This year’s Winter Appeal is a testament to what we can achieve when we act together, guided by faith and a desire to serve others.

Our community’s care and generosity continue to shine. Whether it’s a red bag, a gold coin or a simple act of kindness, your contribution matters. Let’s keep this spirit alive as we move forward together.

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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.