Year 8 student inspires with fundraiser

A YEAR 8 Geelong College student has made a big impact on a local organisation, turning his simple school project into an act of humanity.

As part of the school’s Year 8 Cre8 project, Arthur raised more than $3,690 for the Lazarus Community Centre.

For his project, Arthur decided to work towards a large goal after learning about the number of people under the age of 18 without a home.

The student planned and organised “Compassion by College”, a full-scale fete complete with raffles and games, donating all of the funds raised to Lazarus.

Lazarus Community Centre manager Michael Kenneady said Arthur’s story has touched everyone.

“It’s been shared in the volunteer kitchen, talked about in team meetings and even brought smiles to the faces of our guests,” he said.

“From our volunteers and duty officers, to our guests and board members, Arthur’s act of compassion has reignited something special – hope.

“He’s shown that kindness has no age limit, and that one young person with a vision can inspire an entire city to care a little more deeply.”

The Year 8 Cre8 program required students to spend 20 hours outside of school on a chosen project that interests them.

Arthur was inspired by a fete held at his previous school and started working with staff to bring everything together.

Arthur said when the day arrived he was excited.

“All the students and teachers came to the event with so much positivity though and I felt that the day was a big success,” he said.

“It was so great seeing everyone having so much fun but also raising money for such a good cause.

“It was really great to see a project that I had spent over 50 hours on across two terms come together.”

Funds donated to Lazarus will go towards keeping the doors to the centre open for people in Geelong who are at risk and suffering from homelessness.