Parishioners and dignitaries flocked to All Saints Catholic Parish in Liverpool to help raise crucial funds for cancer research as part of the Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.
On a chilly Friday morning, around 200 attendees gathered in the Parish Hall at All Saints Catholic College for musical performances, raffles, and a foodie’s feast in a continuing effort to contribute to cancer research.
According to assistant priest Fr Likisone Tominiko the initiative has brought the community together for a good cause.
“We’ve been running these morning teas for the last seven years now, and everyone always pitches in,” he said.
“It’s great to see that so many people are willing to come together for such a good cause.”
Present was Bishop Tony Percy who said the numbers that All Saints Parish continue to bring into the annual event is a testament not only to the community’s desire to engage in charitable works but also how cancer affects everyone.
“What we see here before us is a community of parishioners across many cultures coming together to fight against something that affects each and every one of us.”
For Sigrid Evangelista of Grief Care, part of Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria, who is also a Liverpool parishioner, the fundraiser enables the parish to come together fully in ways that can’t be replicated outside of the event.
“So many of us see each other at Mass on a Sunday morning, but maybe other people can’t make those times and have to go to Mass later or to the vigil Mass,” said Sigrid.
“With this fundraiser, everyone gets to see each other and meet each other. It’s a fantastic initiative.”
All Saints Catholic College principal John Kennedy believes the fundraiser highlights the enthusiasm of the local community.
“I think it says a lot about our community, how involved they are, how willing they are to support other people and particularly those in need,” he said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the college and the parish to showcase this support and this unity in raising funds for cancer research.”
Local police Superintendent Scott Tanner, the fundraiser was the perfect curtain-raiser to the beginning of his career at Liverpool.
“I’ve just come here from Lismore in a similar role, and to see this community come together in the way they have is outstanding,” he said.
“From the moment I walked in and saw a line out the door of people coming in, getting some food and donating to a really good cause, that speaks volumes about a community that doesn’t discriminate and can work together for a common cause.”