Four Bishop Druitt College students, Kye Becton Year 6, Adelaide Robinson Year 6, Sadie Williams Year 12, and Matilda Watson Year 12 visited the Coffs Harbour Uniting Church Soup Kitchen on Monday 28 November to help prepare and serve food to people in need as a key part of their service learning program at the college. 

"Visiting and contributing to the Coffs Harbour Soup Kitchen is a core part of our student's service learning program. This year, food was prepared and handed out in takeaway containers, and we are hoping to return to a dine-in meal experience next year. Our students created connections in conversation with clientele and helped hand out meals. Contributing in this way allows our students to develop an awareness of various ways of living in the community and an understanding of the type of support we can give people. BDC students will be visiting the soup kitchen twice a term in the new year to continue that important service learning and community connection." Sue O'Connor, Director of Student Wellbeing K-12 at Bishop Druitt College. 

Another key activity in the BDC service learning program is the annual BDC Christmas Appeal, now in its 16th year. 

"For 16 years BDC has been receiving generous donations from families in time for Christmas to support the Coffs Harbour Uniting Church Soup Kitchen ‘The Soupie’ and Warrina Women’s and Children Refuge. Now more than ever, it is a priority to find ways of supporting our community and giving value to others", said Reverend Nic Hagon.

Reverend Hagon also said that students working at the soup kitchen and on the annual Christmas Appeal are key parts of the BDC student's service learning program emerging from our BDC Values of ‘Generosity in Spirit’ and ‘Service’. These core values inform our awareness of the needs of others in our wider community.

"This is an opportunity for service to others that reflects the themes of the Advent Season, bringing ‘Hope, Joy, Peace and Love’ to those who are confronted by challenges at this time." Reverend Naomi Cooke. 

Students, parents, and friends are encouraged to donate needed items during November and the beginning of December. Donations are collected at the college and are then presented at the annual BDC Carols Service on Monday 12 December and delivered in the following days.