Last Saturday more than 5000 people attended the 66th Jesuit Mission Indian Bazaar held at St Ignatius’ College Riverview in Sydney. The annual community event raises funds to support Jesuit Mission’s work helping families living in Asia’s and Africa’s margins to transform their lives and build better futures.
Staff and supporters of Jesuit Mission at the Indian Bazaar (L-R): John O’Mara, Helen Forde, Angela Ford, Tom Jenkins, Terry Whelan, Shamiel Saleem
The day was overflowing with entertainment, stalls and attractions — including Bazaar traditions from Jesuit community groups such as the Old Ignatian Union BBQ, $5 wheel, Wine Auction, St Aloysius’ College Korean BBQ and Our Lady of the Way Parish Cake Stall. There were activities for all ages, including the popular KidsZone for children, as well as sumo wrestling, human foosball and many other games for the young at heart.
This year, for the second time, the Jesuit Old Boys (JOB) competed for the Rugby 7s JOB Cup. They were joined this time by a team of women from Loyola Senior High School who played a demonstration match.
A highlight at this year’s Bazaar was Fr Tony Herbert SJ, a St Ignatius’ College old boy who is a Jesuit missionary working in India with marginalised communities. At the event Fr Herbert signed copies of his latest book Disturbing the Dust.
Other highlights included the Champagne and Oysters stall, the live music entertainment by student bands, and the Two Wolves Bar run by volunteers from the Cardoner Project.
‘There was a great sense of community on the day,’ said Helen Forde, Jesuit Mission CEO. ‘It really was a whole of Jesuit community event — with the students, parents, parishioners and volunteers coming together for a shared cause.
‘We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to all the committee, stallholders and volunteers who gave their energy and time in making the day possible. Many start planning and organising for the event months ahead, tirelessly working to make the day a success.’
The funds raised on the day support poor and vulnerable communities through community development programs such as education, health, livelihoods and refugee support, empowering them to live free and full lives.
‘We would like to thank everyone who came along on the day to support the 66th Jesuit Mission Indian Bazaar,’ said Fr Trung Nguyen SJ, Rector of Jesuit Mission. ‘It was great to see the solidarity and generosity of all gathered on the day. It was truly a demonstration of the community gathering together to be men and women for others.’