On 2 December 2023, Annette, Grace and Dr Laux attended a Christmas party at Percy Café, in Māngere where they had the honour in finally share the unique surprise parcels crafted during the year. Annette initiated the idea of repurposing yoghurt pots into charming hand-painted seedling pots. Each parcel included a sunflower seed, a pair of garden gloves, and a shovel. The idea was for each volunteer to plant a seed and watch it grow as a symbol of how their work has instilled hope in the people they cared for. The thoughtful combination of the items in each parcel conveyed a deeper message of gratitude and the importance of sowing seeds of kindness.
Annette shared her excitement about contributing to such a meaningful project. She said: “Working on this initiative made me realise the impact small gestures can have on people’s lives. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that our efforts brought smiles to the faces of the hospice volunteers”. The initiative not only embodies the spirit of the holiday season but also reiterates the importance of community, compassion, and the impact of collaborative efforts on those who dedicate their time to support others.
Thank you to the small group of students who helped paint the yoghurt pots during the year. Thank you also, to our local sponsors, Bunnings botany and Lotsa Goodie shop. Finally, thank you to those who baked items for the initial bake sale for the fundraising event and thank you to the Science and Religious Education departments for their financial support.
As the Sancta Maria College community looks back on this heartwarming project, it serves as a reminder that a small act of kindness has the power to brighten the lives of those who work tirelessly to make the community a better place.
