Advent is a season in Catholic tradition that is about preparing spiritually for the birth of Jesus at Christmas.
Often, we hear that Christmas is a time for giving, but find ourselves more caught up in the rush of 'consuming' than on 'giving'. While we cannot escape the busy reality of the season, this can cloud our vision of the Christ child in the manger, who spent the very first Christmas with the poor, the outcast, and the stranger.
The ACU Advent Appeal provides a wonderful opportunity to refocus our vision and find our own versions of Bethlehem closer to home in our own neighbourhoods.
Each of our ACU campuses has once again partnered with a local community in need and all staff are invited to contribute gifts and grocery items to bring some joy to those who may be experiencing difficult circumstances.
Brisbane campus
Our Brisbane Campus has partnered with the Vinnie’s Christmas Appeal and staff can donate gifts for children and adults and Christmas food items.
These items can be placed in the baskets located outside of the Campus Ministry Lounge on campus.
Sydney campuses
Our three Sydney campuses have also partnered with the Vinnie’s Christmas Appeal and staff can donate gifts for children and adults and Christmas food items up until 15 December.
North Sydney staff can bring their items to the staff social on 13 December or drop them to Christine Hann’s office on Level 14, Tenison Woods House (532.14.10).
Staff based at the Strathfield campus can bring their items to the Christmas social event on 6 December or drop them to Christine Hann’s office in the Edmund Rice building (600.1.01).
Staff based at the Blacktown campus can bring their items to the staff social event on 5 December or place them in the basket located in the staff kitchen on Level 5.
Melbourne campus
Our Melbourne campus has partnered with The Exodus Community and staff can donate gifts for disadvantaged children living in surrounding areas. The giving drive is now open until 16 December 16. Please bring donation items to the Campus Ministry Lounge on campus.
Canberra and Ballarat campuses
We are very grateful to all the staff who have supported the great causes near the Ballarat and Canberra campuses. Items collected in the appeals have been donated to their partners at the Vinnie’s Christmas Appeal and the Canberra City Care’s hampers for the disadvantaged.