Holy Cross College Ellenbrook was recently recognised as being one of the biggest school contributors to the Archbishop’s LifeLink appeal.
For the second year in a row, the co-ed school has raised more than $10,000 at its annual LifeLink Winter SleepOut – held on 13 June – with the hope of encouraging other schools to increase their efforts and help ease the struggle for social justice.
Each year, Holy Cross College students and staff participate in a Winter Sleepout to raise funds for LifeLink supported agencies of the Archdiocese of Perth.
Staff and students braved the cold and sometimes wet conditions to sleep outside on the school grounds, which provided a glimpse into what many people must endure every night.
The event serves to raise awareness of the growing number of people who are homeless, while raising much-needed funds for Catholic agencies who seek to directly address the issue.
Earlier this month, 133 students from Years 5 to 12 participated in the Sleepout, with many other students from Years 3 to 6 involved in evening activities.
The group heard from Damian Walsh, Director of Shopfront, who provided a valuable and engaging insight into the issue of homelessness and the difference school contributions make to the lives of so many in our community.
Addressing a College assembly, Year 12 student Daniel Docker emphasised the value of the event.
“We may have slept uncomfortably, but we were not robbed of the basic human right of security. The money raised by LifeLink will hopefully contribute to ending the cycle – to a future where no one will know the struggle of having no place to call home,” Daniel said.
Since the foundation of the College 10 years ago, more than $54,000 has been raised by the College community for LifeLink agencies.
A guest speaker from Shopfront organised the toiletries that were collected by donations from the students and putting together care packs, a heartfelt liturgy with prayer and personal reflection on what the participants are thankful for.