From bouncy castles, food stalls and raffles to musical performances, games and a monster garage sale – the St Paul’s Collegiate School Community Gala has something for the whole family to enjoy.
The gala has been organised by St Paul’s students and is a fundraiser to help their neighbouring Fairfield community with a number of projects.
These include providing learning equipment for Bankwood and Fairfield primary schools; stocking a community fridge with healthy food for those in need; and providing a minivan for the Refugee Orientation Centre Trust to transport children.
The student-led organising committee have spent the last two school terms planning the gala. “It’s going to be a really fun afternoon and evening. We have some great entertainment lined up and the real highlight will be the monster garage sale where people can pick up high quality second-hand items for a great price,” says committee leader Year 13 student Genevieve Scott-Jones.
“The gala is centred on our community, so it’s really important that the money made goes towards things that will benefit others,” says Genevieve.
The initiative forms part of the school’s service programme, which sees the students actively looking for ways to give back and help those less fortunate.
The students already help on a regular basis in neighbouring primary schools Bankwood and Fairfield, as well as volunteer for the Refugee Orientation Centre’s homework programme. This year they started up a ‘Community Fridge’ for St Paul’s families to donate food to which is distributed to the community.
With support from St Paul’s staff and parents, the students have found planning and organising the gala to be an enjoyable experience. “This event has really shown me the willingness of the school community to get behind and help, as well as to give generously to a great cause. The other members of the committee have also been incredible – teamwork really does make the dream work,” says Genevieve.
Their hard work will be able to be enjoyed by all on September 14. “I would encourage everyone to come along and see what’s on offer!”
The St Paul’s Collegiate School Community Gala takes place Friday, 14 September from 3.30pm – 7.00pm at 77 Hukanui Road, Hamilton. Free entry and free parking. More details
Photo caption: Two members of the gala’s organising committee, Genevieve Scott Jones and Sam McClay, check out the storage container where they are keeping the donated items for the monster garage sale.
