Friends evening at Mary Mac's

The Mary Mac's Place Steering Committee hosted a friends evening attended by 80 supporters from St John the Baptist Parish and the wider community on May 3.

Among those present were representatives from Everglades Country Club, Ettalong and Umina Uniting Churches, St Luke's Anglican Church, Newcastle Permanent, Lodge Morning Star, Rotary Club of Umina Beach, CWA Woy Woy, and Umina Beach Surf Club.

"Betty Hagarty and her team of volunteers created sumptuous food for the occasion," project coordinator Ms Robyn Schacht said.

"Gabriel Roffe from the Event Decorators transformed the Ethel Cox Centre with elegant black and white decor.

"The Party Hire Company generously donated the glassware.

"Fr John Hill gave a welcome address and update on activities.

"In the past 24 months, Mary Mac's has experienced a 20 per cent increase in demand for our services, particularly from young people and families.

"On two occasions in the past few weeks, numbers of meals served in one day has exceeded 100.

"More people are seeking assistance with a range of difficulties in their lives.

"There has been an increase in numbers of referrals to community services, and an increase in numbers of people using our shower facilities.

"Despite steady growth and rising costs of food and services, careful management and donations of food has enabled us to contain costs to $2.41 per meal.

"Food donated through Woolworths Woy Woy Food Rescue Program is a boon to our budget.

"Daily donations of bread and cakes from Umina Mall cake shop and Bakers Delight are invaluable.

"As Fr Hill pointed out in his address, statistics alone cannot convey the most important aspect at Mary Mac's - the welcome given by all our companions in the spirit of Blessed Mary of the Cross."

For more information about Mary Mac's Place and how you can become involved, please phone Robyn on 4341 0584 or 0417 671 973.

Press release, 5 May 2010 Robyn Schacht, Mary Mac's Place