Like many communities, Bribie Island is close-knit. And this great sense of community spirit flows into how chaplaincy operates, including in fundraising.
Ken Piva, who has been the chaplain at Bribie Island SS for more than 7 years, says community involvement is vital for chaplaincy. “I love being a chaplain because it’s great to give back. It’s an honour to serve the community in a way that values each individual,” he says.
A fundraiser that showcases community engagement is the Bribie Island Annual Chaplaincy Breakfast. The combined LCC – which serves Bribie Island SS, Bribie Island SHS and Banksia Beach SS – has been running the breakfast for many years.
“Last year, we had about 220 people attend, and it was at the Solander Lake Bowls Club,” Ken says. The breakfast ran from 6.15am to 8.00am, and tickets costs $35pp.
The morning included a meal; an introduction about SU QLD and chaplains; a story from a chaplain and student; and an inspiring guest speaker. Boxer, Alex Leapai spoke at last year’s breakfast, and shared how prison chaplains turned his life around, and now he wants to do the same for others. Previous speakers have included Tim Mander, Petero Civoniceva, and local politicians.
Last year’s breakfast raised about $20,000 – this was through a silent auction, a raffle, and personal donations.
“The generosity of the local churches, combined with businesses, is amazing,” Ken says. Last year, Bribie Island Baptist’s women’s group donated $3,000, McDonald’s Bribie donated $500, and Eye Care Plus Bribie Island also donated $500.
“We also get support from a lot of community groups, like Men’s Shed, Lions Club, and Rotary.”
Ken says one of the reasons businesses and churches invest in chaplaincy is because chaplaincy serves the practical needs of kids and families – there’s strong support because chaplains give back to the community. For example, the chaplains run a program called ‘Bribie Island Kids Educational Support’.
“Through the program, we support families who might be struggling financially with educational needs. We might support those children and families by covering the cost of books, shoes, hats, camps, excursions, medical needs and accommodation. That’s one way we can offer further, tangible assistance, as well as our pastoral care functions.”
When it comes to making community connections and raising funds, Ken says it’s a matter of visiting as many community groups as possible, talking to them about the struggles in the community, and offering a way they can help.
Ken has some advice for LCCs and chaplains, to help them get businesses and community groups involved…
“Don’t be afraid to reach out to them. Once you start talking about the life of someone who’s doing it tough, it really touches something deep within us all – everyone naturally wants to help!”