28 January 2016
Two of Sydney’s iconic community charities – Matthew Talbot Hostel and the Brown Nurses have each benefited from the sale of specially printed Christmas cards displaying some of the stunning images from last month’s lighting show in the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral, Lights of Christmas, presented by PAYCE.
The sale of card packs and Christmas decorations to visitors over 12 nights amounted to nearly $5,000 and event sponsor, PAYCE matched the proceeds, as well meeting the cost of the cards, resulting in the two charities receiving cheques for $5,000 each.
One of Sydney’s most popular festive events in the lead up to Christmas, Lights of Christmas, presented by PAYCE lit up the sandstone façade of St Marys Cathedral for two weeks up to Christmas Day.
The free lighting and sound event attracted thousands of Sydneysiders and visitors and was one of the highlights of the city’s annual festive celebrations. Digital projections illuminated the cathedral’s 75 metre high sandstone southern façade with a variety of scenes reflecting the theme – the International Year of Light.
PAYCE Managing Director, Brian Boyd said both charities do outstanding work in the community all year round.
“Matthew Talbot Hostel is a local institution providing specialised support to homeless and at-risk people, particularly in times of crisis,” he said.
“The hostel has 100 beds available each night for homeless men, as well as providing nutritional meals and day services for those in need.”
PAYCE General Manager, Dominic Sullivan said the Brown Nurses have been providing in-home support for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and families with complex care needs for more 102 years.
“PAYCE was pleased to have both organisations involved with the event as benefiting charities and it was a pleasure to be able to express our appreciation for the good work the Brown Nurses and the Matthew Talbot Hostel carry out every day,” he said.
The 2015 Lights of Christmas presented by PAYCE event was hailed as one of the most successful to date, with the fine weather encouraging big turnouts every evening.
Opening night on 10 December began with the angelic St Mary’s Boys Choir performing traditional Christmas carols before ARIA award-winning soul diva, Paulini took to the stage and captivated the crowd with tunes from her new holiday album, Merry Christmas. Namoi Price followed with powerful renditions of two traditional songs as a prelude to the official ceremonial turning on of the lights by the Archbishop of Sydney, The Most Reverend Anthony Fisher OP.
The Sydney Street Choir, which is sponsored by PAYCE, also performed for the crowd during the two week festivities.
Brian Boyd said it was inspiring to see how the spectacular display united Sydney communities as they came together in the cathedral forecourt to witness the spectacle.
“PAYCE was proud to partner the event for the second year running and help bring the true spirit of Christmas to life and at the same time benefit a number of charitable organisations that are so deserving of our support, especially at that time of year,” he said.
Lights of Christmas presented by PAYCE was hosted by the Archdiocese of Sydney and its education partner, the Australian Catholic University and supported by Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria.
