By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain

Embracing Ministries is a local Anglican organisation who supports families, children, and young people who are living with a disability or caring for someone with a disability. Embracing Ministries offer support, training, advocacy, and events. Radford students have also participated in holiday programs as mentors. They often give up several days of their holidays to participate and enthusiastically report back about the impact that this service learning has had on them as they have connected with children, mentors from other schools and program organisers.

The holiday programs have regularly been held at the Early Learning Centre at Radford College, which has been a great way to strengthen this important partnership.

More information about Embracing Ministries and the range of programs they run for children, young people and carers can be found here.

When the call was put out to Secondary School students and staff for the Embracing Ministries Christmas Appeal, the response was immediate and generous. Shopping for a specific child or carer increased the sense of connection, for example:

• A 10-year-old boy who likes electronic toys

• A 13-year-old girl who loves bubbles, music, waterplay and cooking

• An 8-year-old boy who loves basketball, Thomas the Tank Engine, stickers, painting and train puzzles.

We have passed the gifts on, and they were gratefully received. Thank you to all who participated.