Family tragedies, footy mishaps, farming accidents, cancer diagnoses, bushfires, vehicle accidents, debilitating illnesses and more.
Some members of our SPC community have been battling deeply personal, traumatic, and for some life-altering challenges during the first six months of 2026.
Never before has SPC Care been needed to shine a light of hope and support to those during these challenging times.
The College’s SPC Care pastoral program aims to provide practical support for our current families and Old Collegians during these difficult times.
Funded by the College’s Wellbeing Faculty, Old Collegians’ Association and from public donations, care packs are prepared, depending on the family’s needs, ranging from meal vouchers, grocery giftcards, to movie tickets, or a night out for dinner.
An amazing team of current parents also volunteer their time to make nourishing, home-cooked meals, when they are needed, all in the spirit of brightening the day for someone doing it tough and lessening their load during a challenging time.
A number of volunteers also help with mowing, handyman jobs and professional advice in their expert fields.
Here are some of the messages we have received in thanks –
“Thank you for the meals, they have been amazing. We are feeling very blessed to be in such a beautifully caring community” – Current mum fighting aggressive cancer
“Please pass on our appreciation for the meal vouchers to the Alumni and SPC Care as they were truly received with gratitude by both XXXX and XXX. Both have young families and have been through what can be only described as devastating times. Fighting the fire in dreadful conditions and then trying to deal with the horrible aftermath of the damage done, it has been a tough couple of months. Receiving the correspondence from you was a little light moment we all shared and I know both families will enjoy the meal vouchers” – Family affected in the Streatham bushfires earlier this year
“Thank you so much for the SPC Care package and the meal vouchers. It was incredibly thoughtful and genuinely made our week a little easier. We really appreciate you thinking of our family and reaching out with such warmth and care” – Current parent fighting stage 4 cancer
“The meal was delicious, thank you to everyone, you guys are just amazing!” – Current family dealing with a sudden death in their family
“Words cannot express how much your support (and the support of the college) means to me. Your kindness means the world to our family. The meal vouchers came in the mail on a really difficult day and gave me the chance to smile. Thank you from the bottom of my heart” – From the mum of a seriously-ill current student
If you would like to donate or volunteer your talents to the SPC Care program, please contact Alumni & Foundation Officer Lorrie Liston on 5322 442 or via email at lliston@stpats.vic.edu.au
We would also like to thank the following businesses for supporting SPC Care – Showbiz Cinemas, Lake View Hotel, The Western Hotel, Market Hotel & Ballarat Yacht Club
In other news, SPC Care is also embarking on a project preparing hygiene packs for current students, who may not be able to access these necessities at home.
The packs will include everyday toiletries along of the lines of antiperspirant, toothbrush & toothpaste, body wash or soap, tissues, wipes, comb, and will be available at designated spots within the College locations, so they can be collected discreetly by students, with the aim of offering support and preserving dignity.
If you would like to donate brand-new toiletry items to the program, or offer a donation towards this initiative, please contact Alumni & Foundation Officer Lorrie Liston on 5322 442 or via email at lliston@stpats.vic.edu.au
