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n 2025, Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) staff are wrapping up the Advent season with joy, spreading Christmas cheer to 10 families across South East Queensland through BCE’s annual Adopt-a-Family program.
The program now in its 20th year, generously provides urgent relief to those experiencing hardship (unemployment, disadvantage, homelessness, family breakdown), encouraging BCE staff to live out Gospel values by promoting the dignity of every person.
With Father Wally Dethlefs leading the way, BCE’s elves loaded up 111 wrapped boxes filled with Christmas gifts and non-perishable goodies, ensuring they arrive just in time to make Christmas Day extra merry.
BCE’s Business Services Team Leader and program head since 2015 Helen Hartwig said this year is “extra special, knowing that together we can make a difference to 15 families across South East Queensland”.
“Father Wally’s and Sue Treweek’s ongoing outreach to families year-round brings the spirit of giving into the lives of BCE staff every Christmas,” she said.
“It’s humbling to know that, thanks to their dedication, we can extend our support to families facing challenges and help make their holiday season a bit brighter.
“This year BCE staff also provided hampers to three families via the Kummara and Infinity Community Solutions Kinship Foster Carers.”
Sue adds "it is incredible to think BCE staff have been embodying the spirit of giving for 20 years, living out Gospel values by honouring the dignity of every individual through their generosity.
“It’s a beautiful reminder of the strength and unity within our BCE community when we come together for a shared purpose,” she said.
Among this year’s recipients is a very special addition, BCE’s most recent Work & Welcome participant Olga Boreiko, a Ukrainian refugee and mother of two boys (Sacha now age 7 and Andrew 10).
Work and Welcome program coordinator Enrique Ramirez Chavez said the Adopt-a-Family program “brings hope and joy that lasts far beyond Christmas”.
“It’s not just about gifts, it’s about bringing people together, creating bonds, and giving families the joy and support they deserve.
“For Olga, knowing that her family is seen, valued, and cared for during this season means the world.”
The hampers are now dashing their way from BCE’s Woolloongabba Office to the adopted families’ homes, with Sue and her trusty helpers, as well as BCE staff Caroline and Enrique Ramirez Chavez, making the special deliveries.
One BCE school, St Ann’s School Redbank Plains, is also wholeheartedly embracing the spirit of giving back.
Not only is the school hosting its own St Ann’s Christmas Concert, where students will take the stage to fill the air with holiday cheer, but they’re also dedicated to spreading the spirit of Christmas far beyond the concert hall.
Recently, St Ann’s formed a partnership with FareShare, an organisation that provides hundreds of nutritious meals to families facing illness, crisis, or financial challenges.
These meals will offer comfort and support to St Ann’s School families going through difficult times, adding warmth and kindness to their holiday season.
“Our goal this Christmas is not only to celebrate but to uplift and support each other,” said Sonny Smith Principal of St Ann’s School.
“Through our partnership with FareShare, we’re teaching our students the true spirit of Christmas—giving back.
“The spirit of the St Ann’s community has always been about coming together to support one another.”
Like St Ann's School, St Francis College Crestmead is also giving back in a big way this Christmas.
In a heartwarming show of community spirit, students from Prep to Year 12 have come together to create festive baskets filled with thoughtful donations for those in need.
From gifts to essential non-perishable items, these baskets will be delivered to the St Vincent de Paul Society, helping bring holiday cheer and support to local families.
St Francis College Principal John Marinucci praised the students' efforts.
"Our students are truly making a difference,” he said.
“This initiative highlights our College's commitment to compassion and service, as students embody the true spirit of Christmas by giving generously to those who need it most.”
About the Work and Welcome program:
The Work and Welcome program is a partnership between BCE and Multicultural Australia.
The program that connects jobseekers of refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds with Queensland schools, businesses, and government bodies to build a more inclusive and capable workforce.
Across a 12-week period or more, candidates grow their knowledge and skills in the Australian context, build meaningful connections and gain the needed confidence to progress their career, building their sense of hope and belonging.