Silence is charity gold

TWO students at St John’s Regional College have proposed a 40-hour vow of silence to raise money for impoverished children in Africa.
Nelly Meunier of Year 9 and Katherine Karam of Year 7 thought of an unusual and effective way to raise money for the Invisible Children charity.
The charity aims to help children displaced by the ongoing war in Uganda.
Both Nelly and Katherine vowed not to speak for 40 hours, and wore a hand made cardboard booklet around their neck in which they collected signatures on.
For each signature, the girls donated 20c of their own money to charity.
“I saw the website for the Invisible Children charity and I wanted to do something about it, so I took the idea from 40 hour famine and decided not to talk to signify that the little children do not have a choice and need to be heard,” Katherine said.
Although the girls admitted it was very difficult to stay silent, they managed to speak to their teachers and peers through hand movements and writing on paper at school. The Dandenong school had no problem welcoming the exercise. Together, the girls ended up with over 400 signatures and there is talk of other students within the College continuing the fundraiser.
Nelly said she decided to participate in the 40 hours of silence as she “thought it would be something good to help people.”
St John’s Regional College marketing officer Jessica Brinsdon said it was important for students to be aware of global issues.
“St John’s is very supportive of any students who wish to raise money for charity, and this is one of the many ways that students have been showing their support.”