An Extraordinary Amount Raised For The Parramatta Women’s Shelter

Julia Fleming, Education Officer, Women’s Community Shelters and Tania Smith, Executive Officer Client Services, Parramatta Women’s Shelter with Principal Mary Refalo and Student Leaders.

Catherine McAuley has contributed over $14,000 of money and goods to The Parramatta Women’s Shelter this year due to the fundraising efforts of last term.

The Parramatta Women’s Shelter was presented with a cheque for $7000 and a gift voucher amount of $4180 at the school assembly this week. These amounts were in addition to the over $3000 worth of grocery items already donated and the 20 blankets and other crafted items made by the Crochet Club. The total amount contributed is over $14,000.

“The grand total raised by Catherine McAuley Westmead is extraordinary! This is a new record for all schools,” said Julia Fleming, Education Officer, Women’s Community Shelters. The school has been fundraising and raising awareness for The Parramatta Women’s Shelter throughout Term 2. The shelter has provided support for countless women and children since its establishment in 2019 and relies on donations such as these to continue their work.

The Student Leaders of Mercedes and Ryan, Florencia W. and Chloe C. spoke at the assembly about the amazing efforts of the school. “So many of you ran fundraisers and initiatives that greatly supported these women and children, including hot chocolate stalls, several bake sales, basket raffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, cookie stalls and a BBQ,” they said.

“And let’s not forget about the many fundraisers that you all participated in, including the Grade vs Grade Trivia, the Mother’s Day Stall, the Lip Sync Battle and the many senior students that participated in the PWS Winter Sleepout. For these amazing efforts, can we give ourselves a round of applause!”

Chloe C., Leader of Ryan House, spoke about the donations made by the McAuley Crochet Club, facilitated by Ms Malek and Ms Sundstrom. “These girls crocheted 20 blankets, each made up of 28 squares and each square contains approximately 500 stitches! That’s over 280,000 stitches of kindness! In addition to the blankets, the group, who meets weekly, have also crafted scarves, hand warmers, and beanies, all made with love and care by students, staff and the wider Mercy community. These will provide warmth and comfort for many women and children experiencing hardship.”

Florencia W., Leader of Mercedes House spoke about ‘The Big Give’, which was led by Clare and Dobson Houses and saw the school community donate over $3000 worth of grocery items.

“We thank the Catherine McAuley staff, students and community for supporting our amazing mums and children and their journey through our shelter into safety,” said Tania Smith, Executive Officer Client Services, The Parramatta Women’s Shelter. “This is going to make a huge difference to their lives." Tania continued, “You have all been such fantastic supporters of us over the years. A huge thank you!”