Father Bob Maguire, second from left, poses for photos with Latitude staff, Hobsons Bay youth and councillors. 73338 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Vanessa Chircop
LAST week more than 100 people turned out to the Latitude Youth Housing fundraising dinner where larrikin Catholic priest Father Bob Maguire spoke.
The unique organisation and staff work hands on with young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Manager of the Altona office Rhonda Collins said the organisation is funded to assist someone for just 13 weeks but in reality it takes about six years of support.
“It’s a long but slow journey,” she said.
Father Bob was the dinner’s special guest helping to launch Latitude’s new booklet.
The priest, who is well known for his work with homeless and unconventional ways, spoke to the crowd about his own charity work at his parish in South Melbourne.
He noted the differences between the location of his parish and Melbourne’s West and entertained the crowd by challenging political correctness and the use of the word “poor”.
“If you’re poor, you know it,” he said.
The dinner’s MC was Youth Voice delegate Cr Luba Grigorovitch.
Representatives from the Youth Voice Committee, who raised just under $1000 for Latitude through a Fun Run and festival held the week before, presented Rhonda with the cheque. Father Bob said: “You (Latitude) shouldn’t have to beg for 1000 quid.”
“What you’re involved in is far more important than what Obama and Julia Gillard are doing in the Northern Territory,” he said.
“You’re involved in community building.
“You only want $400,000 a year – someone can do it.”
Father Bob had the group laughing, stating Aussies respond better to humour rather than sob stories and passionate protests like Americans.
Last year Latitude supported 175 young people, for more information or to make a donation call 93150061.
