Celebrating New Year’s Day with the Poor and Needy

Isolated, poor and needy Sydney siders shared a roast chicken lunch at the Parish of St. Constantine and St. Helen at Newtown NSW, continuing a 40 year legacy of philanthropy and outreach.

The epidemic of loneliness, homelessness substance abuse and mental illness is something thousands of people live with every day in Sydney. On feast days such as New Year’s Day, the pain inflicted by these challenges is even greater.

Imagine knowing it is such a special day, but having no family or people with which to share the day. Imagine having no cooked meal, or warm inviting environment.

St. Constantine and St. Helen Parish at Newtown NSW makes an effort to alleviate some of the pain. The parish continues to provide some 250 meals every day, along with its free clothing program. However, on special days provides such as New Year’s Day, the meals are extra special, with gifts and hampers and singing. To take the love to the next level, one those days, the parishioner sit and share the meal with the the needy guests.

That’s exactly what took place this New Year’s Day. The effort is all repaid in smiles and hugs I’m an atmosphere of warmth and love.

Thanks to all the people, businesses and other parishes of Sydney who donated the food, drinks, gifts and hampers, making this event a very special one everyone.