Donation keeps L’Arche residents on the move

New wheelchair modified van for L’Arche residents in Hughes

L’Arche residents in Hughes are now equipped with a wheelchair modified van with the help of a donation from the Order of St Lazarus.

Residents at the Canberra home were excited to host a morning tea where they were presented with a cheque for $23,000 to pay off the modified van.

“Having a van enables safe and comfortable access which will have a positive impact for the women at this house,” L’Arche Community Leader Brendan Price said. 

“It’s nice to have something that reminds us of the generosity of the Order of St Lazarus.

“Members from the two communities have formed strong relationships and friendships which is a really powerful thing, and the thoughtfulness that goes into those connections are really valued by our core members.”

L-R: Patricia Bullock (Resident), Fr Richard Thompson (ACT Order of St Lazarus Chaplain), Elizabeth Archer (Resident), Elizabeth Scrivener (ACT Order of St Lazarus President), Brendan Price (L’Arche Community Leader), Rod King (ACT Order of St Lazarus Treasurer)

The Order of Saint Lazarus is an international Christian Order that was started in 1098, and was established in Australia in 1979.

The Canberra team has supported L’Arche for more than 30 years and raised substantial funds through an annual dinner at the Commonwealth Club.

“Because our dinner couldn’t go ahead last year we asked our members to write to all of those whom they would normally invite and ask them if they would like to make a donation instead,” ACT Order of St Lazarus President Elizabeth Scrivener said. 

“We didn’t think we would get much of a response and we got a wonderful response – about $13,000 just in donations from people, and a $10,000 donation from one of the members within our national body.”

Hopefully this year they will be able to hold their annual dinner and gather together.

If you would like to donate to L’Arche Genesaret click here.