Stall in a good cause

Sydney
11 November 2001

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Stall in a good cause

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Stall in a good cause

Fundraising’s messy work … Sarah and Jack enjoyed the cake stall for Lavalla School in Cambodia

Does this look like hard work? You know somebody has to do it. And the children at St Bernadette’s, Castle Hill did a sterling job of cake baking (and eating) to raise more than $1,500 for disabled children in Cambodia.

The Cambodian Government estimates that there are close to 34,000 children with a physical disability in their country.

Their suffering is compounded by the common belief in Cambodia that a disabled children don’t need to go to school – they will never earn a living and contribute to the family’s upkeep.

Cambodia’s Lavalla School was established in 1998 by the Marist Brothers’ Sydney Province to cater for disabled children.

From humble beginnings in rented premises in Phnom Penh, the school now operates from a purpose-built facility on the city’s outskirts.

Thanks to the Marist Brothers, AusAID, Marist Mission and several Australian and overseas benefactors the school is fully paid for but it still costs $150,000 per year to run.

When the children in St Bernadette’s Social Justice Committee got wind of the story, they happily got to work during Mission Week, baking cakes and slices, making craft items and collecting pre-loved toys and books.

They organised a stall and all proceeds are going to Lavalla school kids.

“It is a great opportunity for our children and teachers to be actively involved in helping others in need. The generosity of the children and their families will surely benefit the children in Cambodia,” says Mr Ted Langford, principal of St Bernadette’s.

“The experience of fundraising for Lavalla School has not only enriched the children at St Bernadette’s but also given them a sense of how lucky we are, here in Australia to be able to receive an education”.

It is hoped that a trust fund of $3.2 million can be established through fundraising efforts, which should generate enough income to keep the school operating.