Sunday night drew the largest crowd in a decade to an Australian Marist solidarity event. Strongly supported by Brothers, the Association of St Marcellin, MSA schools, Young Marists together with rusted on and new supporters the Christmas gathering was a space challenge for the centre. Luckily the youth team rescued with their Retreat Team pillows.
Michael Coleman, AMS Timor Leste projects co-ordinator, introduced the scope of our work as a prelude to the video of Francesca Rizzoli of SBS on the Marist teacher training college in Baucau. The Christmas appeal this year focuses on Timor Leste and two new AMS partners Bairnsdale Friends of Timor and the directors of a private foundation attended to learn more about our work.
Friends of AMS Melbourne hosted the night providing creative Nativity decor and home made finger food. Mt Toowong wines and the music were both donated by the Cremascos whose extended family are long term AMS supporters in Melbourne and Mt Macedon. The night was a very spirited one as our supporters connected with fellow AMS friends and celebrated the success of our projects in 2016.
The final of four gatherings will be in Adelaide on Monday December 5 at SHC.