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The Cathedral College Vinnies Cook-Up

17 October, 2023

The delectable aroma of Italian cooking and the hubbub of friendly chitter chatter floated over bubbling pots out through the Mercy Centre windows when 53 young people of The Cathedral College (TCC) prepared meals for Rockhampton’s families in need.  Moved to make a difference, the students attended Vinnies Cook Up on a Friday after school to cook everyone’s favourite, Spaghetti Bolognese.

TCC Justice Action Group coordinator Miss Jacinta Taske said the annual event attracted young people to help as they are naturally compassionate, and were encouraged to enjoy it with their friends.  “These meals were definitely made with love as there was so much joy in the kitchen” she said.

With the help of Hospitality teachers and staff, the band of happy helpers produced an astounding 170 kilograms which were packaged and delivered to the St Vincent De Paul Support Centre to be distributed to families who called for help.

Vinnies Cook-Up also presented the opportunity to learn more about poverty.

“Samara from St Vinnies is a brilliant educator and revealed so much more about the issues that not only opens the eyes but also the heart too in creating a better, more just world,” she said.

“Together we can achieve so much. I’d like to thank our students who volunteered and the many families who donated pasta, pasta sauce and other contributions. It would not be possible without their generosity. And of course, the wonderful St Vincent De Paul Society volunteers who are the hands and feet of Christ reaching out to those in need. Thank you for the good work you do. We’re so happy to be a part of it,” she said.