The Sunday Telegraph

October 17, 2004

Star supports Chapel

By DESIREE D'COSTA

 

DAVID Wenham has traded in his Lord Of The Rings sword to battle another worthy cause.

 

The acclaimed Aussie actor was in Sydney last week to help raise funds for The Wayside Chapel Fashion Parade.

 

``I live locally and have known about The Wayside Chapel's work for many years,'' he said.

 

``It's a genuine crisis referral centre.

 

``There aren't too many places left that can deal with a crisis at 10am on a Sunday morning or late at night.''

 

Wenham is an active ambassador for the charity and is promoting the annual parade on October 27.

 

``I make it a point to drop in on a regular basis, too, as I think it's important to be hands-on, rather than just a symbolic ambassador or figurehead,'' he said.

 

``The chapel is a bit of a substitute family for a lot of people: for the good times as well as the not-so-good.''

 

The 39-year-old splits his time between Hollywood and Australia.

 

The parade will also feature model Bessie Bardot and Matrix Revolutions actor Rupert Reid.

 

General manager Graham Long said the parade supplied crucial funding to the chapel's support programs.

 

Tickets for the parade cost $35 and are available through the chapel.