Schools come to the rescue

In response to the unfolding flooding disaster that is affecting so many communities on the east coast of Australia, Clontarf-based SchoolAid has today launched its ‘Bail Out A Buddy’ flood appeal. It wants local schools to get involved.

The campaign is calling on Australian schools to pass around a ‘bailing bucket’ to raise money for the communities that have been affected by this disaster

SchoolAid Founder and CEO Sean Gordon says donating the equivalent of the cost of one Easter egg, could have a powerful impact when multiplied.

“If every school could raise just $100, the total would exceed $1 million,” Mr Gordon says.

Australian Primary Principals Association President Malcolm Elliott says the disaster is affecting families, businesses, farms and schools.

“I encourage all schools across Australia to pass around a collection bucket before the Easter break to help out,” he says.

Making a difference

Mr Gordon says: “the impact of these waters won’t be seen until the flood waters recede and so many families are facing a terrible Easter cleaning up and discovering just how much they have lost”.

Australian Secondary School Principals Association President Andrew Pierpoint says the organisation is proud to support SchoolAid.

“ASPA members had supported SchoolAid since inception in 1999 because it provided an important avenue for students to contribute when they witnessed others in strife. Those who are able to give have a heightened sense of agency and know they can make a difference,” he says.

After the 2011 Floods in Brisbane, SchoolAid raised more than $950,000 thanks to generous schools and communities across the nation.

“We would love to have that impact again in support of those now being smashed by this incredible force of nature,” Mr Gordon says.

How the funds will be used

To ensure maximum impact, the funds raised will be focused on the ‘recovery and rebuild’ phase of the disaster, once needs can be assessed and there is clarity around what is covered by insurance.

What is SchoolAid?

SchoolAid’s purpose is to empower young philanthropists by providing in-school support and a crowdfunding platform to enable young people to raise money for charitable causes.

They do this in order to improve student wellbeing because, through giving to others, the students are empowered to make a difference and in turn feel happier about the world and their place in it.

Since SchoolAid was founded in 1999, more than 6500 schools have taken part in more than 75 campaigns, raising in excess of $6 million for charitable causes overseas and at home.

The SchoolAid Trust is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Its patron is His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d).

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