Padstow Hornets host community day for Andrew Encinas’ family
A grieving community will rally to celebrate the life of Andrew Encinas, who tragically died when a car ploughed through his Greenacre classroom last month.
The Express
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A GRIEVING community will rally to celebrate the life of Andrew Encinas, who tragically died when a car ploughed through his Greenacre classroom last month.
Andrew, 9, and his friend Jihad Darwiche did not survive when 52-year-old mother Maha Al-Shennag crashed her car into their classroom at Banksia Road Public School last month.
His teammates at the Padstow Hornets Football Club will have a family fun day to celebrate their friend and raise money for his bereaved family this weekend.
The Hornets will join forces with East Bankstown Football Club to host the fundraiser at Padstow Bowling Club on Saturday.
Community spirit has defined last month’s tragedy.
At last week’s Canterbury-Bankstown Council meeting, a minute’s silence was held for Andrew and Jihad and Mayor Khal Asfour thanked the principal and staff of Banksia Road Public School for the way they responded on the day.
“I was moved by the way the school community rallied in support of those families,” Cr Asfour said.
“These two lovely boys and their families are in our prayers.”
This Saturday’s fun day will feature jumping castles, face painting, barefoot bowls, raffles and auctions.
All proceeds will go directly to the Encinas family.
The Padstow Hornets are still appealing to the community for cash donations, auction prizes, raffle prizes and services to support the cause.
If you would like to support the fundraiser, contact Padstow Hornets FC committee member Cassandra Gebetsberger on 0438 658 471.