Ed 60, Dec, 2023 www.easternsuburbslife.com www.easternsuburbs.network
EASTERN SUBURBS
Bayside
NEWS 7
ST CANICE BLESSING BAGS
Seven years ago when I downsized from a four storey house to an apartment, I realised how much stuff we just don’t need! That first Christmas we came across the wonderful St Canice Church in Elizabeth Bay. A beautiful warm welcoming community whom I discovered later were extremely active in providing cooked meals every single day to our local homeless people, and all run by donations and volunteers. Following our first Christmas service there we walked out to find several homeless people camped out the front. My children and I were upset that anyone would miss out on a gift on Christmas Day, so we walked up the road and came back with Christmas chocolates for everyone. This inspired us to make Christmas Blessing Bags. The following year we purchased 30 bags and put the bags together and distributed them.
I decided to approach some people I knew, and grow this into a tradition where every guest of Canice's Kitchen would receive a Christmas Blessing Bag. The Christmas before lockdown we had over 200 bags and everyone received one. So now my Christmas wish is that no one misses out on a Christmas Blessing Bag. This venture could not have been possible without some amazing kind people like Tony Herro of Chemist Warehouse, Rose
Bay and Bondi; Evette and Mark Moran of the Mark Moran Group in Vaucluse, who were simply beyond generous and donated boxes and boxes of soft drinks, chocolate bars, easy-open tuna tins, make-up, sanitary items, perfume and many more items. Soon after, Jennifer and team at Blakes Pharmacy Kings Cross and Michael at Priceline Pharmacy Kings Cross came aboard. Elizabeth became our poster girl every year, and with her familiar face she became affectionately known as the Kings Cross Poster Girl. I am also grateful to Lynelle Lembryk who was always there to assist.
Elizabeth and Lynelle have since retired and I have now started working with Olly and Father David Braithwaite from the St Canice Parish who do remarkable work for our community. They give more than just food, they give care every day of the year, so if you feel you can donate in other ways please reach out. I hope you will join us to keep growing this initiative my children and I started in 2016. To find out more just go to this link: https://www.stcanice.org.au or email: leeann.gardner@bigpond.com
Christmas Blessings to all Leeann Gardner
About Us
THE ROCKBROKER creating bespoke everlasting
monuments
The Rockbroker is a Natural Stone business that now spans 3 generations. It evolved as a result of our passion for preserving the importance of family, of legacy and of tradition. From creating family homes to everlasting homes we ensure your memory and legacy endures in the form of timeless monuments. We cater to all religious and all cultural identity needs and appreciate the diversity of our clients. Our dedicated Specialist Stone Advisors and fully Licensed Stonemasons are committed to excellent service and superb craftsmanship.
Full Design Service Fully Licensed & Insured Full Installation Service Personal Service For Loved Ones and Pets Full Engraving Services Copywriting Vases and Reliquary Ceramic Portraits
We create one-of-a-kind monuments and plaques that reflect the unique personality of each of our clients. Let us create your everlasting memorial for future generations to remember.
Let's Connect Leeann Gardner 0410 770 984 leeann@therockbroker.au www.therockbroker.au @therockbroker
THE ROCKBROKER
