February 2022
Since the end of 2019, after two of the most disruptive years in recent memory, the Christmas season of 2021 offered the Beyond residents several opportunities. We were able, despite all the looming restrictions, to gather with our neighbours for a Christmas celebration party on the Peregrine reserve; and to extend our good fortunes and Christmas spirit to the less fortunate in the broader community. Friends of Beyond catered a BBQ with all the provisions, trimmings and accessories donated, mostly by the Friends of Beyond committee members. The usual BBQ fare was offered and a new item was introduced – New York style hot dogs (that’s right, not snags – hotdogs) and they went down a treat. We will likely be seeing them at future BBQs.
But the real spirit of Christmas, shared by many in the community, was the donation drive in support of Junction Australia in Goolwa, in their tireless efforts to bring some cheer to for those in our Fleurieu community who are struggling through tough times including homelessness. Junction Australia provides support for children, young people, at risk families, the homeless, and women experiencing domestic violence. The Junction Office at Goolwa offers support to women, children and young people who are living with, or escaping domestic and family violence in the Fleurieu region comprising the Council areas of Alexandrina, Victor Harbor and Yankalilla. From 11 to 19 December we collected donations. Our thanks go out to the members of our community for responding with your donations; to the Friends of Beyond support for Junction Australia, as well as all your other supported charities of choice. On Monday, 20 December, we delivered the following to the Junction Australia office at Goolwa:
5 bags and 2 boxes of non-perishable food items
$88.00 cash
Gift cards and vouchers with a total value of $338.00.
The staff at Junction Goolwa were ever so grateful for our donations and that our Beyond community had thought at Christmas-time of the people they serve. And, as luck would have it, our delivery was timely as that morning the staff were packing Christmas hampers for those families and individuals supported by them. It can be said that the gift of generosity, at a time that we celebrate the season of gifting, is a clear expression of our appreciation of our community and our own good fortunes. Thank you to all who donated to our 2021 Christmas appeal.
