A Generous-Spirited Learning Community

By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain

Many people in Canberra and beyond do fantastic work to make life better for others. These individuals and organisations often rely on support in the form of time, advocacy and money to do the work that they do.

At Radford College we love helping people do what they do well! We acknowledge the generosity that God shows towards us and seek to be generous in a myriad of ways in response.

Radford Reaches Out

As part of our Foundation Day celebrations, the whole College participates in Radford Reaches Out, which raises money for organisations chosen by students in the Radford Student Council (RSC) in the Junior School and Radford Awareness and Service (RAS) in the Secondary School.

Junior School

Kindergarten students check the progress of their fundraising thermometer.

Junior School students are learning about the following organisations and setting fundraising goals in their classes (cash donations can be given to classroom teachers):

Secondary School students run the BBQ at their Athletics Carnival.

Secondary School

The Secondary School’s fundraising has got off to a great start with successful BBQs at the swimming carnival and athletics carnival. These funds will support Red Cross Australia's response to the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey.

To donate online to Radford Reaches Out for either the Secondary School or the Junior School, click here.

Hands Across Canberra

Many of us are looking forward to the Canberra Day Public Holiday on Monday. As well as enjoying Enlighten Festival and celebrations in Commonwealth Park, Hands Across Canberra, an incredible network of Canberra-based charities and organisations, is encouraging Canberrans to participate in the Canberra Day Appeal – Hands Up For Canberra Giving Day. More information about the appeal can be found here.

Beginning today, 8 March, and running for the next 48-hours, donations to Canberra charities such as St John’s Care, Belconnen Community Service and Lifeline (three organisations that Radford supports throughout the year) will be doubled.

The full list of organisations can be found here. It is a very inspiring list when you think about how much occurs within the Canberra community to address very real needs. Why not look at the list and see if you can donate this Canberra Day? Especially as it is a chance for your donation to make double the impact.

World’s Greatest Shave

Our cohort of Year 12 students will be continuing the College’s long-standing commitment of braving the World's Greatest Shave this Thursday or Friday, in a bid to help beat blood cancer.

To find out how to donate, please click here.

Lenten Reflection

On Sunday, I was invited to a Lenten Lunch at a friend’s property just outside Braidwood. We ate delicious vegetarian food, enjoyed an informal church service and some great conversation. We were all invited to bring a poem to share between courses. As we continue in this season of simplicity, giving, prayer and reflection, may we be blessed that we can be a blessing. This blessing poem by Rev. Sarah Speed was my contribution.

A Blessing for the Seekers

Blessed are you who turn your face up to the sky,
who open your arms to feel the wind,
who notice all the things that we should notice.

Blessed are you who are fluent in wonder
and familiar with awe.

Blessed are you who, even now, dream dreams,
who have not lost hope,
who swear the glass is still half-full.

Blessed are you who plant trees
and sing the harmony,
who tell the children how this world can be magic.

Blessed are you who walk and seek
and turn over every stone,
pointing out all the corners and colours
that God lives in.

Blessed are you.

Amen.

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