Spare a thought for vulnerable young people
Its that time of year again, when we are all excited to spend the holidays surrounded by loved ones and sharing the joy of Christmas.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Unfortunately, for many of Australias vulnerable young people, this time serves as a reminder of what they dont have. Every year there are many kids who spend their Christmas Day on the streets they dont have a home to go to let alone presents or a hot meal. What should be a joyous time is instead lonely, stressful and traumatic.
This Christmas season, Ill be handing out hundreds of hampers and presents across our services to families in need. Just the simple act of giving a Christmas meal can drastically change the holidays for those who are struggling. By showing them they are loved and wanted, we can make a world of difference.
This year, when you are sharing the joy of Christmas with loved ones, I hope you can spare a thought for our young people who are alone. Together we can bring hope and safety to homeless and vulnerable young people this Christmas.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year and that 2020 brings you joy and happiness.
Father Chris Riley
CEO and Founder at Youth Off The Streets
The complexities of an apology
I valued your comments re saying "I'm sorry", and the complexities, or simplicities perhaps, surrounding an apology. To this day I hope for an apology from a girlfriend who transgressed badly. On receipt, I'd say 'It's behind us,' and hug her, though maybe being a little cautious for a while, as you say.
Within my recent book 'see you at SUNRISE' I quote from a wedding gift to my husband Ted, being the prose poem I wrote - 'The Ten Reasons I Love Him'. And one of them was: I love that even though he can get it wrong, just as we all do, he can always say "I'm sorry".
