Money to feed India’s poor

Year 9 Beaconhills student Kieran MacDonald found Elmo was a big drawcard to his stall on Market Day.

By Kyra Gillespie

Up to 300 children in Delhi will be fed one meal a day for the next eight to 10 weeks thanks to the fundraising efforts of Year 9 Beaconhills College students.
The students raised more than $3700 at their annual Market Day with the funds helping to support two charities.
Students will donate the money to Pakenham’s 4C’s along with the Vidya charity organisation in India.
The Market Day is part of Beaconhills’ Year 9 Common Good program that students participate in every year.
Each group of students designs their own stall, selling everything from pancakes to milkshakes.
Head of Year 9 at the Pakenham Campus Graham Broderick said the Common Good program was an extension of the philosophy that adolescents need the opportunity to experience the wider world around them.
He said Common Good gave students the means of doing something for others who are less fortunate.
“It creates and nurtures a charitable and caring disposition, as well as enabling students to put into practice our college values of integrity, compassion and respect,” Mr Broderick said.
Mr Broderick said students in Year 9 “had a natural tendency for fairness and wellbeing of others” and enjoyed getting involved in tangible, hands-on activities where they could help make a difference.
As part of the Common Good program, a separate Year 9 Clark House barbecue also raised an extra $247.75 for 4C’s.