Mater Christi’s backyard blitz
23 May 2019
A parish family have benefited from the goodwill of Mater Christi Catholic Primary School staff who fully embraced this year’s Team Building Day Project by carrying out maintenance and beautification of their front yard.
After advertising the school’s Backyard Blitz Team Building Initiative to the community, a nomination was lodged by another parishioner on behalf of a family in need – Marie and Gavin Fernandes and their three sons.
Marie and Gavin have been parishioners at Mater Christi Church for nearly 20 years and all three sons attended Mater Christi CPS and Emmanuel Catholic College. Marie, now suffers severe arthritis and relies on using a wheelchair.
The family has also endured financial hardship over the past few years, due to a downturn in mining which left Gavin without work. Despite these struggles, Marie is actively involved in the Catechist after-school program and as a safeguarding officer at Mater Christi Church.
Similarly, Gavin regularly drives other parishioners to medical appointments, often waiting hours with them when needed.
In April, a dedicated team off 55 Mater Christi CPS staff donned garden gloves and grabbed tools to clean up and rejuvenate the Fernandes’ property.
The team was backed by staff connections and local businesses, who donated mulch and the use of a trailer. For everyone involved, it was a humbling and rewarding experience.
