Students from St Patrick’s College Townsville have made a special delivery to breast cancer patients at Mater.
The school’s Principalities House put together the care packages, which include MooGoo skincare products, comfort foods, headscarves, socks, stationery and books.
They also contain handmade cards with messages of support from students.
2027 St Patrick’s College prefects Violet Seri and Tahliah Webster were among a group of students to attend Mater’s Breasties Brunch morning tea to officially handover the care packages.
Ms Seri said the initiative was meaningful to students as breast cancer affects so many women and their families.
“I have a personal connection to this cause, as my aunty overcame breast cancer,” Ms Seri said.
“When putting together the care packs on Mercy Day, we wanted to provide some everyday essentials while putting our Mercy values of compassion, love and hospitality into action.”
Ms Webster said she hoped the packs brought comfort and joy to those impacted by breast cancer.
“We want to remind the women that they are cared for, supported and never alone in their journey,” Ms Webster said.
Mater and St Patrick’s College Townsville share a connection, both founded by the Sisters of Mercy in the tradition of Catherine McAuley.
Acting Mater Townsville General Manager Mark Cathcart said the connection has inspired a close bond between Mater and St Patrick’s that has benefitted patients and students alike.
“We are exceptionally grateful for the work St Patrick’s students of Principalities House do to raise funds to benefit our community,” Mr Cathcart said.
The sharing of care packages and the Breasties Brunch morning tea rounded out a month of activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said funds raised for Mater Chicks in Pink during October would go towards helping the one in four Queensland women impacted by breast cancer who receive treatment at Mater.
“We’re grateful to share a wonderful partnership with St Patrick’s Principalities House as their House Charity,” Mr Thomas said.
“They’ve joined a large group of Queenslanders who have banded together to raise funds during Breast Cancer Awareness Month for Mater Chicks in Pink and the extraordinary work they do, and we can’t thank them enough.”
