media releases

Monday 5th Sept 2005

SCHOOL STUDENTS RAISE $2000 THROUGH TRIVIA NIGHT, GRANTING DREAMS TO CANBERRA’S CHILDREN IN NEED.

What makes a lot of fun, noise and laughter, while also making a lot of money for Canberra’s disadvantaged children? The answer: The Marymead Dream Scheme Trivia Night!

One hundred and sixty Catholic college students gathered in Marist Pavilion on Friday Night to answer questions for a good cause, as well as having a great night. The outcome was almost $2000 raised for The Marymead Dream Scheme, which goes directly towards granting dreams to Canberra’s less fortunate children. The vision of the Dream Scheme is children helping children. Student representatives from five Catholic schools; St Clare’s, Marist, Mackillop, Merici and St Frances Xavier College, organised the evening themselves with coordination by Marymead Child and Family Centre.

Marymead is a local community-based child and family service, which works to preserve and support families and care for children and young people who cannot be at home. Marymead has been part of the local community for almost 40 years, thanks to initiatives such as this which support their ongoing work caring for Canberra’s children.

The Marymead Dream Scheme is an initiative of the Marymead Child and Family Centre Auxiliary, who are co-ordinating the fundraising of Catholic primary and high school students. The money, which is creatively raised by a variety of Catholic schools around Canberra, helps fulfil the dreams of less fortunate children.

This scheme has a two-fold aim. The first is to encourage the social awareness of young people in Canberra. By doing so, we help raise a socially responsible generation, actively learning to care for their community.

These young people also give less fortunate children the opportunity to fulfil a dream. These ‘dreams’ are of the kind that many of us might take for granted in a childhood - doing gymnastics, joining Cubs, owning a bike, visiting the zoo. Simple dreams out of reach to many Marymead children. Now, thanks to the kindness and hard work of many Catholic school students, these dreams are becoming a reality.

The Scheme began last year, with students raising over $6000. From this, 18 dreams have been granted to some very happy kids, ranging from new bikes to Zoo visits to the chance to do gymnastics! This seemingly simple childhood fare is a dream to many less fortunate Canberra children.

The admirable enthusiasm and dedication of our local students ensures more dreams will be granted in the coming year – so we can thank our young citizens for giving a brighter childhood and future to Canberra’s disadvantaged children.

Media Contact: Kate Jennings ph: 6162 5800 m: 0414 454 089 e: kate.jennings@marymead.org.au