Bake sales, sausage sizzles and roses for Valentine’s Day; all of course pre-COVID. Throw in a Beefy’s pie drive and this is how Immanuel’s Interact Club – or junior Rotary – made $5,400 for its six causes and charities this year.
In what was a difficult year for local business, the Immanuel community again opened its hearts – and wallets – to those less fortunate.
“Immanuel is such a giving community and through Interact, we have three school-based causes and three charities that we support – the Cherbourg community in northern Queensland; Nambour’s Daily Bread Soup Kitchen that our students serve meals at regularly; our friends at the North Sumatra Disability Centre; the Story Dogs Literacy Program, which provides assistance to children with literacy difficulties; the Fiver for a Farmer campaign, which raises money for Drought Angels and Rural Aid, supporting farmers across Australia; and the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), supporting people with Type-1 diabetes through research, advocacy and community support,” said Principal Colin Minke.
Interact is an international Rotary initiative where students raise money for various causes with support from their local Rotary branch. Immanuel’s Interact Club has around 70 members in Years 7 to 12.
Interact President and Year 12 student Jack Trentepohl – and other members of the Board – will present the cheques in the presence of Mooloolaba Rotary Club Mentor Cathy Wright and representatives of the various charities.
“Students have fundraised in what was a particularly challenging year due to COVID-19. Initially, they had bake sales, sausage sizzles and sold roses on Valentine’s Day. However, they then had to think creatively as the ‘new normal’ set in. But their thinking never wavered from ‘how can we make a difference to sick children, drought-stricken farmers, people who need help’,” said Mr Minke.
“Our students do a phenomenal job, as does mentor Cathy Wright from the MoolooIaba Rotary Club and Teacher Mentor Kirsten Zweck, who was recently honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship – the highest honour Rotary can bestow. We are grateful for exceptional teachers and for Rotary’s support which encourages our students to make a positive contribution to our community,” said Mr Minke.
The Sunshine Coast school reviving a butterfly
Helping a child settle into school
The stage is set for the 40th Immanuel Arts Festival – and everyone is invited!
