With the celebration of Mother's Day, women in the Sydney Australia Fairfield Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints demonstrated the kindness and selflessness of women worldwide by choosing to use this day to 'give' rather than to 'receive.'
Over the past two months, the women have been collecting food and household items after hearing that the clients served by House of Welcome, a community organisation that works with refugees and new migrants, will appreciate these as the winter season draws near.
The Stake’s Relief Society President, Sister Nitalama Laufoli, commented, “We all have our times of need. It is by reaching out to each other during these challenging times that Christlike attributes are lived. We may not be giving much individually, but collectively it adds up to something that can make a difference to someone."
As the women and men bagged canned food, soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, toothbrushes and towels, Sister Arely Espinosa cheerfully said, “I am humbled by the generosity of the sisters in my ward (congregation). It is a privilege to give and to serve God. That is more important than anything else.”
Local Church leader T. 'Ofa Amone of the Fairfield Stake and Bishop Seagavaa Fenunuti of the Villawood 1st Ward have been assisting the sisters and both complimented the women for their sharpness in identifying community needs and quickness in responding.
President Amone concluded, “It is truly a reflection of their love for our Heavenly Father as they care for and love their brothers and sisters in need.”