Residents of the Port's four major aged care facilities were treated to a special Easter surprise from students of St Michael's Catholic School in Nelson Bay on April 10.
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The 80 students, accompanied by teachers and senior members of the Vinnies conference, gave generously of their time to the residents of Fingal Haven, Harbourside Haven (Shoal Bay), Regis in Corlette before finishing up at Muller Street in Salamander Bay.
Ian Fox, president of the St Vincent De Paul/St Michael's Conference, said that Easter was a special time of the year where young and old could come together to celebrate new life and new creation.
"It is particularly relevant this year as the feast of Easter falls almost immediately prior to that most sacred of days in Australia, April 25, the anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli in 1915," Mr Fox said.
"Many of the residents in nursing homes and retirement village unfortunately do not receive many visitors during the year so the children from St Michael's decided to do something positive this year to spread the joy and love.
"Volunteers of the VInnies conference spent a busy working bee putting together beautiful little gifts to be distributed by the students to the residents.
"The students sang songs, Including that great Aussie favourite 'Give me a home among the gum trees', before distributing Easter gifts to the residents, including those resting in their rooms. Many of the residents were happy to join in the sing-alongs."
Mr Fox paid a tribute to all those involved, and thanked the boys and girls for their generous patience and support. He also offered a big thank you to Port Stephens Coaches for providing the transport.
"Who said the Easter Bunny wasn't hopping around the bay and that the peace of Christ was not upon this little piece of paradise at this time of the year?"
