Sydney Street Choir enjoy Christmas lunch with PAYCE Foundation
The Sydney Street Choir gathered this week for a Christmas lunch prepared and served up by the PAYCE Foundation and St. Merkorious Charity.
The groups met at Redfern Oval on Tuesday afternoon as part of an annual tradition of celebration, PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said.
“They bring so much joy to this city. They’re a real community who take care of each other,” he said.
“And so for us, it was an opportunity with St. Merkorious to provide a Christmas lunch for them.”
The Sydney Street Choir is a supportive musical community for people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or other social disadvantage. The Choir is the nation’s longest running street choir.
Founded in 2001, the choir uses music to empower members, build community and provide support, with members meeting weekly for rehearsals and performances.
Mr Sullivan said the group has grown from strength to strength over the years.
“There were over 50 people here today,” he said.
“This is a real opportunity to show our support for the choir.”
The Redfern Oval echoed this week with songs ranging from classic 80’s music to cheery Christmas carols.
Following rehearsals, the choir enjoyed a hot meal complete with Christmas poppers and paper hats.
PAYCE Foundation Tony Wishart said it was a great opportunity to spend time with the choir.
“It’s really good for our team to see the choir really enjoying themselves,” he said.
“PAYCE Foundation has been supporting them for many years, but to actually see the impact, it’s important.”
Wishart said the Foundation team members also enjoyed seeing the growth of the choir, which includes the addition of a new musical director who brings “great energy” to rehearsals, together with a new social worker.
“It’s wonderful to see how the Choir has grown and strengthened over the years. It feels like it’s constantly improving,” he said.
“The word is getting out there even more. They’re just a great unit and such a supportive community.”
