By Kath Gannaway
Twenty-two children with a disability in third-world countries will gain a level of mobility, thanks to the students of Yarra Junction Primary School and the Rotary Club of Wandin.
The students raised $4473.15 through a wheelchairathon held at the school on Friday, 28 April.
School chaplain Ed Eadon said the whole school community was excited to be part of an event which would make such a difference.
Wheelchair for Kids is a Rotary Club Australia project supported by Wandin Rotary.
YJPS principal Laurie Martin and Mr Eadon heard about the program when they visited Wandin Rotary Club as guests.
“We had the opportunity to hear and see what the Rotary Club was achieving through their Wheelchair for kids program, and invited our Grade 6 leadership team, Grace, Ruby and Kiera, to inspire the students to play their part in raising money to purchase wheelchairs for disadvantaged children in third world countries overseas,” Mr Martin said.
The students went all out getting donations and sponsorship from parents and friends ahead of their first wheelchairathon.
Mr Eadon said the day was filled with students pushing wheelchairs and completing laps of the netball court, finishing with a Rotary Club barbecue.
The event is part of the school’s aim to build community connections with local organisations.
