Student Voice

Donald High School Raising Awareness of MND

During the last week of term 2, the Donald High School SRC has organised events to raise awareness of MND.

This week has two specific aims:

• Raising Awareness of MND

  • Raising funds to support research into MND

Awareness:

• The events aim to raise awareness about MND, its impact on individuals and families, and the need for support and research. 

• Motor Neurone disease (MND) is a term used to describe a group of diseases that affect nerve cells called 'motor neurons'.

• In motor neurone disease, the nerves become damaged and start to die. When this happens, muscles start to weaken and waste away. Currently, there is no cure for MND and it is life-limiting.

• The speed at which MND progresses varies for each person. Survival time also varies, but the average life expectancy is 2 to 3 years from diagnosis.

Fundraising Activities:

Monday: 

Free Dress Day – Gold Coin donation. Students wore the colour Blue to signify support for the Fight against MND.

Tuesday:

Luncheon: 

Donuts with blue icing were provided to students at recess and lunchtime. Thanks to Abby and Texas for getting up on Tuesday morning to make these donuts at the Donald Bakery.  Thanks to Year 12 students for arranging the serving at recess. A huge thank you to Donald Bakery for their wonderful support.  Yum Yum!!!

Sausage Sizzle and fruit boxes at lunchtime.  Pre-orders allowed for accurate catering, with no wastage, maximum income and minimum expenses.  A special shout out to Mr Pettifer, Jett and Judd for cooking the Bar-B-Que and to Eliza, Nicki and Jaya who assisted with the serving.  Well done to all students for their support and the orderly manner of cooperation by all.  Good manners were a feature.

Wednesday:

Ice Bucket Challenge. To finish off our awareness and fundraising, students and Mr. Aikam put up their hand to continue the MND week of celebration and awareness.  Students voted with their donations for this cause, which vital funds and fun was seen by all on Wednesday.

Overall, Donald High School has not only performed a wonderful tribute to the MND cause, which is very close and personal to many here in Donald, we have raised much needed funds.  In addition to the SRC activities, Mrs Griffiths has organised the sale of beanies and socks to provide a constant reminder of MND, thank you Mrs Griffiths, which took place in recent weeks.

The SRC activities this week of the free dress day, the luncheon and the ice bucket challenge has raised well more than $500 after expenses.  The final tally will be confirmed in coming days, with all funds being forwarded to MND research.