Newhaven College Students raise $8600 for Red Cross Lifeblood

Newhaven College’s Year 12 Leadership's fundraising for the year drew to a close last term.

The group was thrilled with the participation and enthusiasm from students, staff and parents right across the school.

Each year, Newhaven College Year 12 Leadership select a charity to support. This year, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood was selected in memory of much-loved teacher Karen Pearce who passed away in 2022 after a battle with leukemia.

The Year 12 Leadership team led the College community to raise over $8600 for Australian Red Cross Lifeblood and were thrilled with the participation and enthusiasm from students, staff and parents right across the school.

The whole school community enjoyed participating in the fundraising, with dress-up days, a Junior School disco, trivia night, raffles and even the College staff organised a cake baking competition.

Mrs Pearce's parents, Louk and Keith Thiele attended a Senior School assembly to accept the cheque on behalf of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

In his address at a recent whole school assembly, Principal, Mr Tony Corr spoke of the Year 12s’ fundraising efforts.

“Red Cross Lifeblood was chosen as a tribute to the students’ former teacher Mrs Karen Pearce. It was appropriate that the fundraising cheque was presented to Mrs Pearce’s family.

“In accepting the cheque Karen’s mum, Louk, spoke very emotionally about the gratitude she felt to the students,” Mr Corr said.

“It became clear that this was so much more than funds for Red Cross Lifeblood. This was a powerful and symbolic gesture of love and care from our students. And it meant so much to Karen’s family.

“For me, it said a lot about this group of Year 12s. Of whom you are. You deeply care – for one another, your school and your community. It is the care that you demonstrate that we as a school are most proud of.”

He said the College wanted to congratulate the 2023 Year 12 Leadership team.

“They showed dedication, determination and exceptional leadership skills to produce such a fantastic result.”

Fundraising for 2024 will be decided by the incoming Year 12 Leadership team early next year.

Red Cross Lifeblood Chief Financial Officer, John Brown, said on receiving the donation: “Australia has one of the safest blood supplies in the world, and a donation such as this will assist Lifeblood in ensuring we continue to provide life-giving blood, plasma, transplantation and biological products for world-leading health outcomes for Australians.”

Red Cross Lifeblood always welcomes financial or blood donations. More information can be found at www.lifeblood.com.au