Running for refugees

Junior school students led by Amity. 197529_02.

By Jessica Anstice

Lakeside College held its ‘Run for Refugees’ event on Friday 20 September, to raise enough funds to send 350 students – matching the current college enrolment number – to school in a refugee camp.

Students, staff and families ran and walked around the Lakeside Lake in support of the GRACE (Give Refugees a Chance with Education) project.

The GRACE Project is an Australia wide initiative which aims to send 40,000 students to school in African refugee camps.

On the day, college principal Tom Brennen challenged Year 11 student Tyler Denboer to a race with the ‘loser’ donating to the cause.

Tyler won the challenge convincingly, resulting in Mr Brennen needing to donate a significant amount of money toward the cause.

The college was pleased to have Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale attend the event as the official starter.

“Schooling helps children recover from the horrors they have fled. They have fun, make new friends, follow a routine – and learn,” Mr Brennen said.

“Education is a gift no one can ever take away.”

Fundraising closes on Friday 11 October and local community members can contribute on the My Cause website: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/207827/lakeside-college-grace-project