HMAS Parramatta digs deep for charity
19 November 2010
There were 17 000 reasons for the smile on Chris Bertinshaw’s face: one for each dollar donated by HMAS Parramatta.
As the Ship’s nominated charity the Wesley Mission accepted a cheque from the Commanding Officer, CMDR Heath Robertson, for a new BBQ area at the Wesley Apartments.
The six apartments in the complex, across the road from the Sydney Children’s Hospital at Westmead provide local accommodation for inter-state and overseas families whose children are undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Enhancing the community feel of the apartment complex is a key focus of the next stage in development said General Manager of Parramatta mission, Chris Bertinshaw.
“The BBQ area will add comfort and a sense of community to the building. Families that end up here often say how isolating it is in the hospital with their sick child so a sense of community whilst they stay here is invaluable,” he said.
The association between Parramatta and the Wesley Apartments began last year with a $10 000 cheque contributing towards the purchase of the building by the Parramatta Mission.
“Our relationship with the city of Parramatta is an extraordinary one and our commitment to the Parramatta Mission really enhances our experience in the local community,” he said.
“The crew work really hard at maintaining the relationship and their effort on fundraising whilst assigned to Operation Slipper was outstanding.”
Leading Seaman Physical Training Instructor Corey Short agrees.
“The idea to have a pledge day was developed at the Welfare committee. We had a great response from the ship: what we raised far exceeded my expectations and is a real testament to the crew. It is really good to do something for the local community while you are so far away from home,” said LSPTI Short.
HMAS Parramatta will further enhance her community ties this weekend with a Freedom of Entry March through the City of Parramatta commencing 11:00 Saturday 20 November 2010.
blog comments powered by Disqus
