Generous Mercedes College, Santa Maria College and Trinity College students have donated their time and money during the summer holidays to help ensure that children in the care of not-for-profit organisation MercyCare have the best start to the school year.
Students from the three schools collected donations which were used to buy essential school items like pencil cases, lunchboxes, drink bottles, backpacks and stationery.
The group then spent several hours collating the packs at MercyCare’s central office in West Perth, before the packs were distributed to the children at a special event held at Kings Park.
MercyCare Schools Liaison Officer Louise Mason said the 65 ‘back to school packs’ would help children in MercyCare’s fostering program as well as those living in the organisation’s family group homes.
“Starting a new school year should be a fun and exciting experience for every child,” Ms Mason said.
“What is so inspiring about the students involved in this project is that they have given up part of their own school holidays to help others – that is very admirable.”
Ms Mason also thanked office supplier Staples for its $450 donation of stationery.
Trinity College student Nicholas Petagna said donating a few simple items and his time to help others had been a satisfying experience.
“Taking part in the ‘Back to School’ project allowed me to reflect on my time in primary school when I was fortunate enough to have brand new stationery each year,” he said.
“It also made me realise how lucky I was as a child and how giving back now is a rewarding experience.”
Mercedes College student Alexandra Del Casale said the project was a great idea.
“I enjoyed putting the packs together for the children who are not currently living with their parents,” she said.
“It is a great opportunity for them to receive new backpacks and stationery items for the beginning of a new school year.”
MercyCare Acting Chief Executive Officer David Holden said the organisation currently has 65 children in its foster care program and family group homes.
“We try very hard to ensure that children in our care have everything they need to succeed at school,” he said.
“Giving them the tools to do this is just a small way of helping them to feel positive about going back to school and the year ahead.”
MercyCare is a leading Catholic provider of aged care, family, health, disability and community services. We employ over 1000 staff and 175 volunteers, delivering more than 40 programs and services, from 35 locations throughout Western Australia.