Over 130 people attended a Melbourne Cup fundraising event in Brisbane recently (November 1) to kick-start the 2011 Christmas Appeal for the Sisters of the Good Samaritan Foundation.

Speaking during the event, Good Samaritan Foundation Business Manager, Sarah Fraser O’Brien encouraged guests to support the vital community outreach work of the Good Samaritan Sisters and their partners by donating to the inaugural Christmas Appeal.

Sarah said people were welcome to make a cash donation, but with each case of “fine Australian wine” purchased through the Foundation’s fundraising partner, Wine Experience, a percentage of the sale would be directed to the Foundation’s Christmas Appeal.

“This is the first time the Foundation has co-ordinated a Christmas Appeal of this nature,” said Sarah.

“A lot of time and effort went into selecting only quality wines which we know will make perfect gifts for Christmas and will be popular for lunches and dinners over the festive season.”

Sarah said 100 per cent of funds raised through the Appeal will be distributed to Good Samaritan ministries in Australia and overseas, including the Indigenous community of Santa Teresa near Alice Springs, the Good Samaritan Inn in Melbourne, the accommodation program for women in Brisbane, the Kinder School in Kiribati and the Early Childhood Centre in the Philippines.

Sarah also acknowledged the generosity of Queensland artist and Noosa resident, Sarah Thomas whose artwork appears on each wine bottle.

“I’m very happy to support such a worthwhile cause and it’ll be a thrill to see my artwork on a bottle of wine!” said Sarah.

The Foundation hopes to sell 500 cases of wine throughout Australia before December 31, 2011.

Established in 1999, the Sisters of the Good Samaritan Foundation promotes and raises funds for outreach projects operated by the sisters and their partners throughout Australia and in Kiribati, the Philippines and Timor Leste.