Wallarano Primary School student Jayden is pleased to donate all his coins to the bushfire relief efforts. 27087 Picture: Stewart Chambers
By Lia Bichel
STUDENTS at Wallarano Primary School have emptied their pockets to help victims of Black Saturday.
The staff and students raised more than $8400 without holding a fundraising event.
“We wanted the students to donate money from their own social and moral conscience,” assistant principal Gail Doney said. “I am just blown away from the support. Students emptied their pockets and their piggy banks to give money to the bushfire victims. Staff gave money, and families of the students donated money. The school is going to match the total.”
Three brothers Liam, Brady, and Jayden are among the students who donated money by emptying out their savings meant for a trip to Queensland later this year.
They have historical ties with Marysville. Their grandmother used to live there, and the house she lived in was destroyed by the fire.
The three boys made a combined donation of more than $171.90 in coins.
“I had a couple of thoughts before I gave up the money, but I did it because I wanted to help,” said ten-year-old Brady.
“I feel sorry for the people that survived the bushfires but don’t have anything.”
Brady said he hoped his money would go towards food, clothes, or shelter for the bushfire victims.
Mrs Doney said students were enthusiastic about helping victims because staff encouraged parents to educate their children about the bushfires.
“It can be really scary for children to see everything on television and the newspapers. It can have a psychological and emotional effect,” she said.
“So we wanted parents to discuss the situation so the children understand the situation but don’t get scared.”
