Many Melbournians will know of Father Bob Maguire, but perhaps may not know much about his work. The irrepressible Father has a foundation that runs a wide range of humanitarian projects and I thought you might be interested to know more about what he and the Foundation does.
As a result of recent events, the Foundation needs a home. While this article shares a bit more about what they do, I also wanted to take the opportunity to let everyone know that there is a really easy way to help. I recently found out that soon, Father Bob turns 83 and that the Foundation is holding a Gala Dinner to start the fundraising ball rolling. You could help by buying a ticket or a table to the dinner. Should be a great night! Here are the details – and read on for more about the fantastic Father Bob and the Foundation’s activities.
Father Bob Maguire Birthday Gala Ball
Father Bob would like your help …………..to blow out his birthday candles!
Father Bob would like to invite you to a special Gala Dinner to celebrate his 83rd Birthday.
Tickets are $295 per person or $2500 per table (both with a tax deductable component), with proceeds going towards finding a new home for the Father Bob Foundation. So come along and help raise money to find a home for those who home the homeless.
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
123 Collins St. Melbourne.
Date: Monday 4th September
Time: 7pm – 11pm
RSVP: to Andrea Cafnik on 0437 071 860 or [email protected] or Book Here
Please listen to an interview with Father Bob about the dinner here: http://www.abc.net.au/radio/melbourne/programs/afternoons/father-bob-maguire/8724592
ABOUT FATHER BOB
Father Bob Maguire, AM, is a national treasure who has devoted his life to caring for and supporting the rights of the homeless and disadvantaged in our community.
Father Bob has been actively involved in community outreach for nearly 45 years, beginning with his appointment as parish priest of Sts Peter and Paul’s Church in South Melbourne in 1973. His last community service at the Church saw him build 42 apartments for the homeless.
His community service continues today through the Father Bob Maguire Foundation, a secular mission that operates from the City of Port Phillip and distributes thousands of meals each month, along with running an Outreach Program and a Scholarship Program.
Father Bob’s long held vision is to build a Community Hub in the City of Port Phillip which will act as a ‘meeting place’. A dedicated Trust Account has been set up for donations specifically for the ‘Community Hub’ and the aim is to raise $1million
The Birthday Gala Ball is being attended by a host of VIPs, invited guests, Patrons and Sponsors. Patron Mike Brady is the ‘Entertainment Director” and will be performing on the night, along with some friends.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Their Mission
A SECULAR MISSION
Their mission is simple, to provide material, emotional and social support to whomever, whenever and wherever necessary. They come across barriers to this every day, but the strength of their mission is to overcome them with the force of community volunteers.
Their Vision
The role of the Foundation is to realise Father Bob’s vision of ending homelessness and disadvantage. The team at the Foundation is facilitating the establishment of a caring community, by the community, for the community. They want to give all kids a fair start to life and everyone a fair go. All have the right to be nourished physically, mentally and emotionally. No one will be left behind.
Their Activities
In order to realise the Foundation’s vision, they have created a number of core activities. These are:
COMMUNITY MEALS
The Foundation’s fleet of HopeMobiles deliver much, much more than nutritious meals. Through welcoming service and good conversation they nourish hearts, minds and tummies.
EDUCATION FUND
Giving kids an equal chance has been Father Bob’s work for most of his life. A totally educated and skilled society is possible. Father Bob and the Foundation team want everyone to have a choice in contributing to a sustainable and innovative future.
ADVOCACY & INNOVATION
The Foundation is working actively with the community to make our society easier, safer and more fulfilling for all. They work with their own people and with other like-minded organisations.
COMMUNITY PANTRY
The Community Pantry ensures all who need nourishing food have access to it. Struggling individuals, families and single parents can stay healthy. The Foundation is doing its part to lessen the burden on the health system and the environment.
PS – Watch this space for a really exciting announcement about a big addition to the Education Program at Father Bob’s Foundation!
So I hope, after you’ve read this, that you will seriously consider coming to the dinner, having a great night and helping a brilliant cause! Once again – call or email Andrea Cafnik to secure your tickets (0437 071 860 or [email protected]) or click on this link: Book Here
I have the Foundation’s prospectus, as well as a presentation on the ‘Hub’, which I would be happy to share with anyone interested. Please leave a comment and your email, if you wish and I will send this out. A dedicated Trust Account has been set up for donations specifically for the ‘Community Hub’ and the aim is to raise $1M.
Donate Here
As an aside, The Foundation is seeking to appoint Members to their Board. If you would like nominate to sit on the board, please email Andrea with a brief business case outlining your interest in working with the Father Bob Maguire Foundation.
