On Friday, the students held a wildly successful fundraising dress-up day to honour Jake Campbell - a former student, the brother of a current teacher, and the son of a former teacher - who passed away a short time ago.
“We raise funds for a lot of charities outside the community,” teacher Scott Trewhella said.
“But this time the students are supporting our own school community.”
When Mr Campbell passed, the Campbell family asked that instead of flowers, loved ones make donations to the Echuca Regional Health Cancer and Wellness Centre, and so the school fundraiser idea was born.
“Jake, Seb and Zach (Campbell) are all past students here. Rochelle Campbell was a teacher here. Seb's partner is a kindergarten teacher here. There's just such a connection with community and the family,” Mr Trewhella said.
Decorations were donated by Big W Echuca, where all three Campbell brothers have worked at one time or another, and arrived at 7 am to help staff set up. Forty Winks and Rich River Party Hire also contributed resources to the effort.
The school has raised more than $2000, and counting.
“Normally when we have fundraising, we raise $200-$300,” Mr Trewhella said.
“It just goes to show how much support the community wanted to offer the family."
ERH chief executive Nick Bush said he loved how the community was getting involved in supporting the new centre.
“Thank you to the 208 staff and students for their enthusiastic fundraising efforts for our Cancer and Wellness Centre in memory of Jacob Campbell,” he said.
“Our build is set to commence by mid-July, and we are looking forward to gaining momentum with our fundraising efforts as the centre starts to take shape.
“There are some wonderful events taking place over the coming months and we encourage the community to continue to support this wonderful new centre that will provide local support for cancer and dialysis patients in our community.”
To donate visit erh.org.au/cancerandwellness and for fundraising enquiries contact fundraising co-ordinator Shari Butcher on (03) 5485 5087 or cancerandwellness@erh.org.au
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