Raising funds for FECRI

PHOENIX College year 12 students are working to fund the next local cancer research breakthrough.

A school project tasked them with making an impact in their community, in response to an issue, and as a result, the young people are coordinating a series of fundraising events to benefit Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.

“Cancer hits everyone,” said teacher Maree Hall. “Ballarat is so lucky to have Fiona Elsey, and we wanted to be able to support them as much as we could.

“For the last three or four years, we’ve been doing our personal development class focused around the institute, getting the students to research, and raise as much money as they can.

“All money raised goes to Fiona Elsey.”

This year, the students have led a variety of fundraising initiatives including the Parma Cup, a paint and sip evening, the Footy for Fiona Sebastopol home game, and a pop-up at a Ballarat Miners home game.

The students worked with Hop Temple to make last night’s musical bingo a benefit for their cause, and will have donation tins placed around the room at an upcoming Punchliners Ballarat stand-up comedy night, featuring Lizzy Hoo, Jordan Barr, and Lewis Garnham.

“The students need to make all the contacts themselves,” Ms Hall said. “We guide them along the way, but let them work autonomously.

“I love that they come up with the ideas, they organise it, they run it, and how creative they can be.”

FECRI events and marketing coordinator Sally Walsh said the institute is grateful for the students’ ongoing support.

“It’s a great model and opportunity to engage our young members of the community, expose them to different ways to be learning skills for their future, but also to be opening their minds and hearts to support cancer research in their home town,” she said.