After a year of on-line substitutes, the MCG Luncheon of the 500 Supporters Group returned in splendid fashion.

Near 500 guests filled the MCC Members dining room to be entertained by legendary Leon Wiegard interviewing Chris Judd, Stephen Kernahan and Hayden Kennedy, all of AFL fame.

However, the star appearance of Frank O’Shea, only hours out of quarantine and sporting a Ned Kelly facial appendage, brought the purpose of the event clearly to focus as we heard about Ruben in Nairobi. Having survived anthrax, collision with a giraffe and most recently Covid in Kenya, Frank is now safely back in the wide brown land after many years serving in Tonga, Tanzania, Sudan and Kenya.

Chair and son of Noel O’Brien, the founder of the Group, Patrick O’Brien outlined the success of the luncheons in over 20 years and through the support and contributions from so many supporters, Members and Sponsors a huge result was achieved totalling over $500,000.

These funds will make a significant difference to the Ruben Centre’s ongoing efforts to provide families and children with essential food & medical supplies, never more necessary than during this pandemic.