BRISBANE Catholic Education's schools and offices dug deep to raise more than $110,000 for victims of Townsville's floods.
Through the “Show the Love to Townsville" Valentine's Day fundraised BCE aimed to raise $85,000, but the generosity of our community of schools helped surpass that amount.
Schools were encouraged to get involved with free dress days and other fun activities.
Even Teachers Mutual Bank staff got in on the fun, raising $1,152 to add to the total.
The money, which was donated to the Townsville Catholic Education office flood relief, will directly support families in Catholic schools in Townsville and across the Townsville Diocese most impacted by the devastating effects of the severe weather event.
About 90 Townsville Catholic Education staff and 260 families across 14 schools were affected by the floods.
It included regional schools that were affected as the rain moved from the coast to the north west district of Queensland.
St Margaret Mary's Catholic College in Hyde Park, Townsville, was extensively damaged by floodwaters when the Crowle Street campus was inundated, affecting a number of classrooms, the hospitality centre, storerooms and the performing arts centre.
The outstanding effort of the staff and community enabled the school to be cleaned and re-opened quickly, to allow the education routine to continue for the college's students.
Restoration work at the college was expected to continue for some months, because of the extent of the damage.
On Valentine's Day, St Kieran's School, Brighton, joined BCE's more than 140 schools who dug deep into their hearts and wallets to help others in need.
Principal Ben Gray said it was a great initiative from Brisbane Catholic Education and St Kieran's was pleased to be part such a worthwhile cause.
“Helping those less fortunate is very much part of the ethos of St Kieran's and by being part of “Show Love for Townsville" it helps our students to realise that while no one can do everything, we can all do something to help those in need," he said.
Townsville Catholic Education Executive Director Jacqui Francis said for many Townsville and western Queensland families, the hustle and bustle of the start of the school year was significantly disrupted by the flooding event.
She said Catholic education communities from across Queensland and nationally had been generous in offering their prayers, donations and resources.
“In particular our Brisbane Catholic Education colleagues conducted a wonderful fundraising campaign and have been very supportive in continuing to make some of their Guidance Counsellors available to work in our schools," she said.
“We are very mindful that the emotional impacts of this weather event may be felt long after the clean-up is complete.
“It's been comforting to know we are part of network that cares so deeply for people they may never have met.
“Our sincere thanks are conveyed to all who helped with these efforts, and our heartfelt prayers are with those who were affected by this major flood event."
Bishop Tim Harris of Townsville said everyone in Townsville was humbled by this outpouring of spiritual and financial support for families hardest hit by the devastating floods.
“This support shows that the Church family are always looking out for each other and reaching out to those in need," Bishop Harris said.
“Personally, to Brisbane Catholic Education, the Catholic schools and families involved, thank you.
“On behalf of all the families, I would like to thank the thousands of families from the Brisbane Archdiocese who have contributed to making a difference in the lives of Townsville families," he said.