Congratulations to the Class of 2024 who have raised $74,210 in the Relay for Life, setting a new College record in the process.
While funds are still able to be donated, the current total has MacKillop sitting as Canberra’s top fundraising school and the second-highest group in the whole of Australia.
In addition to the collective accomplishment, there were several individual success stories. The cohort’s top campaigner, Rocco Theodorakis ($3028), finished as the third-highest individual in the ACT, behind Clara van Puyvelde and Taylah Brussow, who are both past students of MacKillop. Year 12 had 14 different students who managed to raise over $1,000, which was a fantastic achievement.
All of the money the students raised will go to cancer research, prevention, and support programs,
With the students doing an amazing job of rallying others to the cause, Principal Michael Lee made a point of thanking the family and friends who contributed so generously to the fundraising event.
“It is not lost on me that many families supported the students financially in the raising of this total,” he said.
“MacKillop, and I’m sure Cancer Council ACT, thanks you for your contribution. Relay for Life is a community event for Year 12 but it is worth remembering that there are many, many hands in this rewarding experience.”
The event itself saw Year 12 enthusiastically participate in the ‘Relay Your Way’ version of the fundraiser, with the majority of the cohort gathering at the St Peter’s Campus on Saturday 6 April between 7am and 7pm. Students took on the extremely wet and cold conditions as they walked, jogged, and danced their way around a custom-made track, with shelter from the elements provided by walkways and marquees.
The event included the sharing of personal stories and experiences, performances from students, a donated breakfast from the canteen staff, a bake sale, several themed laps (such as a bubble walk), and a candlelight ceremony in the evening.
The College thanks everyone who made this achievement possible, including those who donated, the staff at Cancer Council ACT, teachers who supervised, and, of course, the students of Year 12. Whilst the Class of 2024 has every right to celebrate these achievements, their real reward was to see the money go to a good cause!
