By Dongyun Kwon
Colour Fun Run celebrated the success of fundraising efforts of the school community on Thursday 6 March.
Healesville Primary School students were covered by different colours while running through obstacles.
Healesville Primary School principal Tracey said the Colour Fun Run is a way of combining fun and fundraising.
“Our students love this day and yesterday showed that,” she said.
“It was amazing to see so many of our parents helping and enjoying the event as well.
“We are very fortunate to have such a supportive school community as it is only because of them that we can have these events.”
A few weeks prior to the event, three students, Macey, Sienna, and Penny, walked along the town’s main street and knocked on the doors of the businesses to ask for donations for their school.
Star Mail also welcomed these special visitors and collected cash to support them.
Grade 6 student Macey tried to hand over her skills of communication, which she had learnt from the experience over the past few years, to the other two Grade 5 students as she is going to leave the school at the end of the year and wishes to pass the good legacy down to the next generation.
“My joy for helping out made me passionate about participating in the fundraisers for the school community,” Macey said.
“If there was any way in the community that I could help, I’d just love to have a go.
“It gives me a bit of a challenge but gives me kind of an initiative.”
Sienna and Penny said they learnt public speaking skills while following Macey.
“I’ve learnt how to get more confident when I speak to people who I don’t know,” Sienna said.
“I’ve never been a big public speaker. It has improved me a lot in public speaking,” Penny said.
The two Grade 5 students promised Macey to continue the fundraiser with younger students next year.
As a result of the three girls’ business call, Healesville RSL donated $1000 to Healesville Primary School.
Healesville RSL president Colette said they were impressed with Macey, Sienna, and Penny.
“We also sponsored Macey last year when she presented to myself and the committee what she was trying to achieve for her school community,” she said.
“The Healesville RSL receives a high volume of requests for donations and sponsorships. Looking after our local veterans is our number one priority, so we can’t always provide that support.
“However, Macey is a very inspirational girl. When Macey came along with two school friends, we were once again impressed with the level of preparation and the thought behind their request. As a community-based organisation, we were happy to support their efforts once again.”
Tracey said the fundraising by the whole school community has been amazing.
“So far, we have raised over $14,000 which is an incredible achievement,” she said.
“I do love that Macey, Penny and Sienna are working together to raise funds, I think Macey is doing a great job working with the younger students to share her knowledge.
“This year, the funds will be used to create two more interactive play spaces outside for our students and to resurface the gym floor.”
