St Patrick’s students pitch in for lonely

St Patrick’s School students have spent weeks raising more than $600 for Glory Ministries in Albany and the free luncheon the organisation holds for those who are alone at Christmas.

Luncheon host, Pastor Steve Marshall, visited the students last Thursday to accept the donation.

Speaking at a school assembly about Glory Ministries Albany, Mr Marshall told the students he had spent time living homeless in Katanning, an experience that became the inspiration for the luncheon he has been holding for the past 45 years.

“I vowed back then that I would do this one day, to make a contribution to the homeless community,” he said.

Mr Marshall said the luncheon was the highlight of the year for some people in the region.

“It’s attended by people not just from Albany, but people from all over the Great Southern,” he said.

“We do our best to put on a great spread. I have people come up to me and tell me it’s the best meal they have all year.

“It means a lot to a lot of people.”

The fundraising effort was a result of the school’s “sign of the times” initiative, which asks children to identify areas of need in their community then try to help in a respectful way.

The Year 5 and 6 students raised money for the luncheon by holding a school disco and selling $2 smoothies at recess.

Mr Marshall said the students should be thrilled with their efforts.