By ANEEKA SIMONIS
PAKENHAM students have been described as “fund-raising superheroes” by one of Melbourne’s biggest hospitals following a compassionate donation to Kids in Need.
Pakenham Springs Primary School raised $1018 for the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) through a free-dress day organised by the student representative council in August.
A group of year-three, four, five and six students delivered the hand-made cheque to the hospital weeks later which was an eye opening experience, Student Wellbeing Officer Rosemary Teed said.
“People from the RCH took the kids for a tour around the hospital.
“They got some insight into what the hospital does, the number of kids there and the facilities offered.
“It was interesting overhearing their conversations that lunchtime… it really built a sence of awareness. We are trying to develop their sense of social consciousness,” she said.
In addition to the student’s fund-raising efforts, the bus driver took the kids to the hospital for free which meant an extra $250 was freed up for the hospital.
The Royal Children’s Hospital thanked the school for its year-on-year donations.
“These super kids hold a free dress day every year to help the hospital and we’re honoured that they continue to support us,” the hospital wrote on their Facebook page.
“Their generosity is so great that, when the bus company donated the trip from Pakenham to the RCH, they gifted the money that would have paid the bus.”