Race team donates to FECRI for Connor

DAMASCUS College’s Sustainable Racing Team has raised more-than ten thousand dollars for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute on a ride from Broken Hill to Ballarat.

During a ceremony at the at the Damascus College Events Centre last week, the team presented the cheque to FECRI staff in memory of Connor Prunty, a former student who died after a battle with cancer.

Connor was a passionate mathematician and aspiring engineer who was involved with the Sustainable Racing Team, and served the community as a member of Buninyong-Mount Helen Fire Brigade.

A statement from the college said the B2B adventure, led by Alan Strange, was “rooted in the Mercy values of compassion and service” and a “commitment to sustainability and cancer research awareness.”

It challenged the team, pushed them to their limits, and saw them forge “unbreakable” bonds.

“Being part of a team I connect with so well and getting hands-on with the tools was an incredible experience,” said year 9 student, rider and team communications officer, Oscar Howlett.

“I volunteered because it was an exciting and demanding event, raising money for a cause close to our hearts.”

2024 Damascus College captain Lucas Wells was the crew’s chief and said he enjoyed the friendships he made while getting some real engineering experience.

“Volunteering for B2B was a way for me to contribute to raising funds and awareness for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Centre and to strengthen the bonds within our team,” he said.