Local Victorian Worthy Grand-Matron Sister Sandra Walker and her son raised the majority of the funds for the school by collecting and trading in recyclables for 28 months.
“People found out we were collecting them, and so they would leave bags of the recyclables at our driveway, and we’d like to thank those people for their efforts,” Ms Walker said.
Some $14,000 was raised through the recyclable collections, and the remaining funds were contributed from the Order of the Eastern Star’s chapters around the country.
The Twin Rivers Specialist School Echuca has already pinpointed what the funds will be used for.
“On Saturday, December 27, principal Paul Marshall travelled to Melbourne to accept a cheque from the Order of the Eastern Star, totalling $15,990,” the school said.
“The money raised will go towards much-needed shade sails in the new school.
“Whilst the school is virtually brand new, the build didn’t include sufficient shade.
“The school has started installing the shade over playground equipment and sitting areas.
“Sandra Walker, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, was the primary person who nominated and fund-raised for the school.
“Sandra and her son collected bottles and cans over the past two years to raise the money.”
Principal Paul Marshall has expressed his thanks to the Order, with particular attention to Ms Walker, for their enormous generosity.
“The shade allows students to spend more time learning in outdoor environments,” he said.
“This decreases the chances of getting COVID-19 and improves mental health by being outside.”
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