Brother Michael Kirgan cp was one of the legendary figures of the Monastery, part of the Catholic Parish of St Paul of the Cross. In 1983, three members of the Glen Osmond St Vincent de Paul Conference began organising and distributing Christmas Hampers. Br. Michael became involved, and expanded the number of hampers distributed across Adelaide to families and individuals in need.

After Br. Michael’s death in 1993, a committee was formed and the Hamper Appeal was registered as a charity. The Hamper Appeal not only assembles and distributes over 200 hampers and gifts each Christmas, but financially assists various charitable organisations and Catholic Parishes throughout Adelaide. Organisations supported in 2024 include Catherine House, Louise Place, VRASS, Our Lady of La Vang School, St Patricks Special School, Centacare Catholic Community Services, and various St Vincent de Paul conferences.