Countdown on to the highlight event of Christmas

More than 200,000 people are expected to flock to the St Mary’s Cathedral for the highlight event of the festive season – Christmas at the Cathedral.

PAYCE Foundation will continue its long-standing association with the free event which starts on December 14, as presenting partner.

The event is for everyone, regardless of faith or cultural background, since the great Christmas message of peace and hope resonates across the community.

The light show projected onto the Cathedral is considered one of the best in the world.

There are also food stalls and entertainment to make it a fabulous family event.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “It has been a tough year for many families – Christmas at the Cathedral is a wonderful free event for everyone to enjoy.

“The light show is a wonderful experience and one not to miss.”

For more information: christmasatthecathedral.org.au

See the highlights from last year’s event below.

 

Community spirit alive and well at Sydney Street Feast

The sixth annual Sydney Street Feast proved to be another wonderful celebration of community as hundreds gathered in the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral to share a meal.

The event was created response to Pope Francis’ call to build a more inclusive, welcoming and generous society.

Below is the video from the fantastic day.

 

 

 

When there is help, there is hope says Jose

Adele House success story Jose Portia reflected on how the right support at the right time can help people turn their lives from a pathway to destruction to a life of fulfilment, at the recent Salvation Army thank you lunch.

Jose arrived at the PAYCE-foundation funded drug rehabilitation centre Adele House with a bag of clothes after his life had spiralled out of control thanks to a chronic Ice addiction.

Caption: Jose Portia and PAYCE Foundation Director Will Morgan celebrate the power of support programs.

The Salvation Army run a drug rehabilitation program for men at a purpose-built facility funded by the PAYCE Foundation and the NSW Government near Coffs Harbour.

Jose said he would not have been able to turn his life around, from addiction to helping others without the support of the PAYCE Foundation.
Beating addiction is about taking one step after another on the right path.

Jose said: “I could take steps because others took their steps.”

Jose, who now works for the Salvation Army, says it is very difficult for drug addicted men to find a way out without the proper support.

“The PAYCE Foundation programs provide pathways to education, training and employment; because of these programs, I am where I am today.”

PAYCE Foundation Director Will Morgan, who attended the lunch, said Jose was one of hundreds of men now drug free, reconnected with family and society thanks to the Adele House program.

“Drug addiction takes a huge toll on people and their family and comes at great cost to society – the PAYCE Foundation is dedicated, with its partners, to helping as many men as possible overcome substance abuse.”

Radio personality Joe Hildebrand was awarded Hero of Hope for his work with the Salvation Army.

Uplifting gesture of sharing a meal attracts big crowd

The Parramatta Street Feast – a call to share a meal with those battling life on the lonely fringe of society – attracted its biggest turnout yet.

The event is a response to World Day of the Poor and the call to build a more inclusive, welcoming and generous society.

Parramatta Street Feast – an event closing the gap with those on the margins of society.

About 150 clients enjoyed delicious food, company and wonderful entertainment, including from the Sydney Street Choir, at St Patrick’s Hall in Parramatta.

The Street Feast was created in conjunction with, and is sponsored by, the PAYCE Foundation, Paynter Dixon, St Merkorious Charity, and the Diocese of Parramatta.

Bishop Vincent Long said that in building an inclusive and welcoming society there is no better way than sharing a meal with the disadvantaged and those on the margins.

Along with Bishop Long, State Member for Parramatta Donna Davis, the Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton and the City of Parramatta’s Lord Mayor Pierre Esber attended the event.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said too many people are struggling to survive on the streets, particularly with rents skyrocketing and the ever-increasing cost of living leading to increased food insecurity.

“The Street Feast is a simple act of humanity to let people know they are not alone. Sadly, more people are facing the prospect of living on the streets,” he said.

“The PAYCE Foundation is dedicated to helping people on the margins live a life of dignity and fulfilment and that’s why we are a founding supporter of this event.

“It is amazing what the simple act of sharing a meal can do, in reminding us of the need for community and social connections,” he said.

Street Feasts to bring hope and care to homeless

The spiralling cost of living, including skyrocketing rents is pushing more people into poverty and onto the streets.

Now more than ever, those battling to live a basic life, need the help and generosity of people who can give.

That’s why this year’s Sydney and Parramatta Street Feasts will help connect people who have found themselves lost in the spiral that is homelessness and isolation.

The 2022 cohort of volunteers at Sydney Street Feast

The street feasts are a response to Pope Francis’ call to build a more inclusive, welcoming and generous society.

For those that volunteer, it is a heart-warming day of doing good for people who greatly appreciate the chance to share a meal in a caring place.

This year’s street feasts will be held at the St Mary’s Cathedral forecourt on Friday November 17 and in Parramatta’s St Patricks Cathedral Hall on Saturday November 11.

Last year, hundreds of clients turned out to enjoy the delicious feast prepared by St Merkorious Charity and wonderful entertainment from the Sydney Street Choir.

The Street Feast was created in conjunction with, and is sponsored by, the PAYCE Foundation, Paynter Dixon, St Merkorious Charity and the Sydney and Parramatta Catholic Archdioceses.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “We are pleased to support the World Day of the Poor in a way that  brings people together, particularly given the tough economic circumstances many people find themselves in.”

“It also represents the culmination of the work so many church and other community organisations do throughout the year to assist people in need.”

Choir challenge attracts big turnout

The weather threatened, but the power of voice prevailed for the annual Sydney Street Choir Corporate Challenge at Martin Place in the city’s CBD.

And the singing competition attracted one of the biggest crowds ever, with hundreds of workers stopping to listen to the choirs.

 

The corporate choirs stepping up with the Sydney Street Choir included Minter Ellison, APA and PwC.

The event was led by ABC broadcaster James Valentine who also joined the choirs on saxophone.

He had everyone singing along for the final song – My Island Home – which reverberated around Martin Place.

The Sydney Street Choir is a supportive musical community that aims to inspire and empower those who have experienced homelessness or disadvantage in the community.

Formed in 2001, they have thrilled audiences around Australia with their inspiring performances.

The PAYCE Foundation has been a major sponsor of the Sydney Street Choir since 2015 and helped establish the corporate challenge.

PAYCE Director Dominic Sullivan said: “It was an amazing day which showcased the power of song, enjoyed not only by the choirs but by a good crowd.”

“Congratulations to everyone involved in an event that brings people together – it was uplifting for everyone who participated.”

The well-travelled chef helping men live a healthy life

Chef Neville Mott has travelled the world and worked in five-star restaurants, but you can sense the joy he gets from his latest job.

He’s head chef at residential drug rehabilitation centre Adele House, located in the Bucca Valley, near Coffs Harbour.

Adele House, supported by the PAYCE Foundation and run by the Salvation Army, has an outstanding record of rehabilitating men back into society.

Chef Neville Mott – helping men turn around their lives with healthy eating.

The 40-bed centre, nestled in a peaceful valley and equipped with a swimming pool and gym, is the perfect location for turning a life around.

The choice is a stark one for men addicted to alcohol or drugs – go into rehab or spend time in jail.

While the setting is breathtaking, it is the hard-working staff that make the difference and nutrition is a critical part of the plan.

Neville remembers one client who refused to eat a vegetable or a salad.

“It took me a while, but he’s now eating salads and he’s enjoying it,” Neville said.

Much of the produce used in the cooking is grown on the farm.

“The thing we talked about was breaking the cycle; changing their habits from bad eating to good eating,” he said.

He said nutrition is an important part of the program, along with the counselling and work on the nearby blueberry farm.

Neville enjoyed his life travelling the world working long hours in top restaurants, but these days he’s happy cooking good food and watching men begin a healthy new chapter in their lives.

“We are winning because we are showing the benefits of eating fresh fruit and vegetables,” he said.

Radio personality to host 2023 Choir Corporate Challenge

ABC radio personality James Valentine will be the special host at this year’s Sydney Street Choir Corporate Challenge in Martin Place on October 4.

Seven corporate choirs and more than 170 singers will perform at the challenge which has become a highlight on the Street Choir event calendar.

Valentine, who was also a member of successful 1980s rock band the Models, will lead the event as the choirs battle it out.

Choir Director James Paul said the Corporate Challenge was a special day for the Street Choir.

“They really enjoy taking centre stage in Martin Place with the corporate choirs and it really is a great thrill for everyone involved,” he said.

“We are asking people to join us and enjoy an event which is a truly uplifting experience.

“We are grateful that James Valentine – a wonderful musician as well as radio broadcaster – is able to join us for the event.”

The Sydney Street Choir is a supportive musical community that aims to inspire and empower those who have experienced homelessness or disadvantage in the community.

Formed in 2001, they have thrilled audiences around Australia with their inspiring performances.

The PAYCE Foundation has been a major sponsor of the Choir since 2015.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “The Corporate Challenge is a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”

“We would encourage people to come along to Martin Place and enjoy what is a memorable event.”

2023 Day at the Bay

Hundreds turned out at Leichhardt Oval for St Merkorious Charity’s annual fundraiser – Day at the Bay, which included a run and a walk, fun activities including a climbing wall, plus a free barbecue.

St Merkorious Charity provides meals to the homeless, disabled, elderly and families struggling to feed their children, has grown exponentially and now prepares more than 4,000 per week to the inner west community.

 

PAYCE Foundation signs three-year deal with choir

The PAYCE Foundation has extended its long-running support of the Sydney Street Choir, signing a $100,000, three-year deal to help the homeless and isolated.

Caption: The PAYCE Foundation will continue its long-running support of the Sydney Street Choir.

The Sydney Street Choir is a supportive musical group that aims to inspire and empower those who have experienced homelessness or disadvantage in the community.

The Choir, which was formed in 2001, provides members with a unique bridge to social services for those most in need.

It is also a focal point for its members, particularly in hard times, providing friendship, community interaction and practical support.

The Choir has toured around Australia and has been joined by some of Australia’s best choirs at the annual Corporate Challenge in Martin Place.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “It has been a wonderful journey so far with the Sydney Street Choir and we are delighted to continue our support.”

“To be running for more than 20 years shows what a special choir it is, helping bring people together who need assistance.

“A performance by the Sydney Street Choir is always one to remember.

“The Choir team, led by James Paul, do a wonderful job co-ordinating the choir and supporting its members.”

Choir Director James Paul said the support from PAYCE Foundation was much appreciated.

“The PAYCE Foundation’s support has been invaluable over the years, helping the Choir grow and reach its potential,” he said

“Members directly benefit from the Choir with an improved quality of life and without the help of supporters like the PAYCE Foundation we cannot achieve that.”