REACH is an annual initiative aimed at mobilising young people to become involved in helping the needs of their communities, quoted the Hillsong's press statement. More than 1500 volunteers will concentrate their efforts on a housing project in Telopea. While another 300 volunteers and more will devote their day to fencing, landscaping and painting classrooms at Minerva Special School.
Phil Dooley, the Hillsong Youth Pastor, said this initiative was a practical opportunity for the Australian youth to make a 'positive impact,' where the response to this call was overwhelming due to the realisation of a greater purpose in their life.
"For our young people, Reach is a practical opportunity to get into the community and do something that will make a positive impact on others," said Hillsong Youth Pastor Phil Dooley. "The response we get from our young people and the community is astounding. They love getting their hands dirty and knowing they're alive for purposes bigger than themselves."
For more than 10 years Reach has also raised funds for vital community youth programs and initiatives, and this year, all money raised will go toward the work of Hillsong Youth Services (HYS), Hillsong's community youth arm, which has youth centres located in Redfern, Castle Hill, Blacktown and St Marys.
HYS works with thousands of young people through a range of services, including drop in centres, school based workshops, camps, personal mentoring and various other developmental programs.