Students enjoy the gift of giving

TORQUAY College Grade 5 students adopted the full spirit of giving, trading in their traditional Kris Kringle to support the community.

The students will this year support the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) in Footscray with food donations.

Each child was given a list of useful items to consider donating, the likes of canned tuna, honey UHT milk, chickpeas and many more.

Former Torquay College school council president, and long-time supporter of the cause, Amber Potter said the idea was born out of a conversation with Grade 5 teacher Emma Dukker, who was keen to do something that can truly make a difference, particularly after the year we have endured.

Ms Potter said it was a proud moment for the school and teachers involved while the education for the kids that comes with supporting such a cause is fantastic.

“Every single one of them (the teachers) was really excited about what has gone on … all of them were really proud,” she said.

“Regardless of how we all feel, I think it’s good for kids to realise people who are seeking asylum are generally good people and have just had horrid circumstances.

“It opens up that conversation then it feeds back into the home.”

Asylum Seekers are currently excluded from government payments such as JobKeeper and JobSeeker. Potter said these items have been delivered to the ASRC and will be offered to people using the service to feed them and their families.

Between 50-60 students across the three classes took part in the initiative.