Karabar High School Year 12 Students Raise Over $3,200 and Donate Hundreds of Gifts to Support Families at Ronald McDonald House Canberra
Year 12 students at Karabar High School have capped off their final year of school with an extraordinary act of generosity, raising more than $3,200 in cash and donating a large collection of toys and wellbeing items to support families staying at Ronald McDonald House Canberra.
When the graduating class chose Ronald McDonald House Charities ACT & South East NSW (RMHC ACT & SE NSW) as their charity partner for 2024, they committed not only to fundraising but to standing alongside children and families facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
The students launched their support with a Christmas Toy Drive, collecting a mountain of toys, books, and games to brighten the holidays for children spending Christmas in hospital or at the House. They followed this with a series of student-led initiatives throughout the year – from bake sales to sausage sizzles at school events – raising vital funds while also raising awareness in their community about the importance of keeping families close during a child’s hospital stay.
“This incredible effort has not only helped provide the comforts of home for families at Ronald McDonald House Canberra, but has also shown the power of young people to make a meaningful impact in their community,” said Eoghan O’Byrne, CEO of RMHC ACT & SE NSW.
“The money raised, the toys collected, and the awareness shared will all directly benefit families with seriously ill or injured children from across our region.”
In addition to their fundraising for RMHC, the students also supported initiatives such as Closing the Gap and the Schools Spectacular, demonstrating remarkable balance between their academic commitments and their community service.
Ronald McDonald House Canberra, located inside the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, provides accommodation and support for families with a child receiving hospital treatment. Each year, the House supports hundreds of families from across Canberra and surrounding regions, ensuring they can stay close to their child during critical times.