SCHOOLS across Sydney will bring music to the streets of Parramatta as part of the annual ‘Busking for Vinnies’ initiative this August.
‘Busking for Vinnies’ has been a long-standing community outreach event, supported by Parramatta Council, held by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW annually in Parramatta since the 1990s to raise awareness of the Society’s services in the region.
Our Lady of Mercy College in Parramatta will launch ‘Busking for Vinnies’ on Wednesday 21 August at Centenary Square.
Parramatta Marist High School (Westmead), Mt Saint Benedict College (Pennant Hills), St Edmund’s College (Wahroonga) and St John Paul II Catholic College (Schofields) will also perform throughout August.
“We’re delighted to be hosting ‘Busking for Vinnies’ once again to highlight the musical talents of schools in the community,” said Ashvini Ambihaipahar, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Metropolitan Regional Director.
“It’s wonderful to have Our Lady of Mercy College, Mt Saint Benedict College and St Edmund’s College back for another year, as well as welcoming Parramatta Marist High School and St John Paul II Catholic College on board for the first time.
“It’s also a great way for Vinnies to engage with the local community and showcase the services that are available for people to access in the area, including our van services and support centres,” said Ms Ambihaipahar.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members supported close to 11,000 people across Greater Western Sydney over the past financial year. Demand for support in the region increased by 24% from the previous year with close to half of the people assisted experiencing housing stress and more than a third requesting assistance for the first time.
“I encourage everyone to come down to hear a series of wonderful musical performances and learn about assistance that is available for people,” said Ms Ambihaipahar.
‘Busking for Vinnies’ will take place at Centenary Square, Parramatta from 11.30am to 1.30pm on the following dates:
- Our Lady of Mercy College (Parramatta) – Wednesday 21st August
- Parramatta Marist High School (Westmead) – Thursday 22nd August
- Mt St Benedict College (Pennant Hills) and St Edmund’s College (Wahroonga) – Tuesday 27th August
- St John Paul II Catholic College (Schofields) – Thursday 29th August
