AGL volunteers lend a hand at MAC Christmas party

Clients of the Mission Australia Centre (MAC) in Surry Hills have enjoyed a Christmas party complete with a traditional hot lunch and karaoke thanks to volunteers from AGL.

Thirteen volunteers from AGL organised and served food, welcomed guests and entertained the crowd with a carol. One really got into the spirit by donning a red suit and beard to hand out lollies and offer photos with Santa.

This is the eighth year that AGL has funded, organised and staffed the MAC Client Christmas Party.

After being welcomed by Mission Australia Chief Operating Officer, Leisa Hart, and joining in prayer with Meffan Kaiwai, MAC Team Leader, guests tucked into turkey and pudding.

One MAC resident who has turned his life around at centre said that this Christmas would be one to remember for all the right reasons: “Coming here has really picked me up. It’s a special Christmas, and a sober Christmas… The meditation classes here [at the MAC] have been unbelievable and have helped me to change and see the world differently.”

Another guest, who attends the innovative Catalyst Clemente educational program at the MAC, thanked the centre’s staff for their dedication and care: “We couldn’t love it any better!”

The Mission Australia Centre provides crisis accommodation for homeless men and “wrap-around” programs and services for men and women that address issues such as health, literacy, and self-esteem.

Further Reading... 

• Christmas cheer at the Mission Australia Centre - 29 December 2009
• AGL and Mission Australia brighten the day for struggling families  - 16 Dec 2008
• Mission Australia helping families cut energy bills to prevent poverty spiral   - 15 Oct 2008

Christmas cheer at the Mission Australia Centre

Thanks to the spectacular efforts of AGL volunteers, the Mission Australia Centre (MAC) celebrated Christmas this year with a wonderful gourmet lunch.

Mission Australia CEO, Toby Hall, and AGL CEO, Michael Fraser, helped volunteers serve the Christmas lunch last week and spent time chatting with many of the homeless men and women who have accessed the MAC throughout 2009.

"Never a dull moment," said Astra Howard MAC Program Coordinator. "Our guests had a fantastic time thanks to all the hard work of event organisers and talented entertainers: Frederick Hama, Chris Barwick, Phil Nunn and Meffan Kawai."

One client said: “I had a great time at the MAC Christmas party enjoying a lovely Christmas lunch and trivia quiz. Our table came second - the winners were googling on a blackberry! Afterwards , various members of the MAC creative classes had a lot of fun singing and dancing at the karaoke machine for a couple of hours. I'm not a singer, but I had a go at 'House of the Rising Sun'.”

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AGL partnered with Mission Australia in 2003 with the provision of energy audits for the refurbishment of the Mission Australia Centre. The partnership has since grown substantially.

Through AGL’s volunteering program, employees have provided tremendous support to Mission Australia’s homeless services in Sydney and Adelaide for the past four years.

In late 2006, the partnership reached a new strategic high with a significant financial contribution from the AGL Foundation of over $750,000. The funds are being used to make a long-term difference to homelessness and climate change.

The support from AGL reflects its broader commitment to energy efficiency in the community, particularly for Australia’s most vulnerable people.

Further Reading...

• AGL and Mission Australia brighten the day for struggling families - 16 Dec 2008
• Mission Australia helping families cut energy bills to prevent poverty spiral - 15 Oct 2008
  

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Early Christmas cheer for Sydney's homeless community

Christmas will arrive a little earlier for around 100 homeless and disadvantaged Sydneysiders this year when AGL throws its annual Christmas lunch at the Mission Australia Centre today.

Volunteers from AGL – including CEO, Michael Fraser – will put on a well-deserved Christmas lunch with all the trimmings for those doing it tough living in Sydney’s inner city. From catering through to gifts, and even providing the entertainment, AGL volunteers will unleash their Christmas cheer to celebrate the festive season.

With the event now in its seventh year Michael Fraser said AGL and its staff were committed to making a difference in disadvantaged communities using a combination of their expertise and enthusiasm.

“It’s been a tough year but none more so for the individuals who’ll be sharing this Christmas event with us. It’s one of the high points of our year to spend time at the Mission Australia Centre and it brings home the real meaning of Christmas to everyone involved,” he said.

“AGL is a close partner of Mission Australia’s and we sincerely welcome the commitment and contribution of its staff,” said Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall.

“This is a great example of the way corporates can help strengthen communities.”

The first service of its kind built in Australia, the Mission Australia Centre (MAC) moves beyond traditional crisis accommodation to meet the needs of a new generation of homeless people.

Rather than the short-term and 'one-size fits all' approach often associated with crisis shelters, the MAC specialises its care, encourages independent living, allows clients stays of up to three months and offers a range of services (eg: dental, GP, education, computer skills, counselling, employment) to help people back on their feet long-term.