On Monday night, Australian Marist Solidarity hosted a crowd of more than 120 guests at the Marist Centre in Brisbane for the launch of its 2015 Christmas Appeal.
Marist Solidarity Executive Director, Brother Allen Sherry, says that this is the biggest Christmas gathering since the organisation became a fully accredited tax-deductible charity. He also says it is the largest line-up of brother leaders the Brisbane Marists have ever hosted.
The new Australian Marist Brothers province leader, Brother Peter Carroll attended along with District of the Pacific leader, Brother David McDonald, who was joined by Marist Oceania coordinator, Brother Kevin Wanden. Leader of the Melanesian Marists, Brother Jean Marie Batick, from Vanuatu, also attended.
It was a pleasure to be joined by the leader of the Australian Christian Brothers Province, Brother Peter Clinch who attended with Brother Gerard Brady.
The event, which was hosted by Marist Solidarity Chairperson, Mr Peter Sheehan, also attracted some of the organisation’s most influential donors, teaching staff, volunteers, supporters and friends.
The highlight of the event was the broadcast of an eight minute documentary video produced by final year QUT film students. Dayna—producer and former student of St Teresa’s Catholic College in Noosaville—presented the documentary, which showcased life at the Marists’ LaValla School in Cambodia, as part of her final assessment.
Marist Solidarity Christmas appeal events will also be held in Sydney on Tuesday 17 November, Adelaide on Tuesday 24 November, and Melbourne on Sunday 29 November.