SRC

What is MAD Day?

 

At St John's Regional College, MAD Day — which stands for Make A Difference Day — is more than just a walk (some students choose to run). It's a powerful act of empathy, education, and community service.

 

Each year, our students participate in an 8-kilometre walk — the same distance many people in developing countries must walk daily to access water. This simple act helps raise awareness about the global issue of water scarcity and gives our students a small taste of what life is like for millions of others. Often, the water collected on these long journeys is not clean and can lead to serious illness. Clean water isn't just a convenience — it's vital for health, education, and life itself.

 

 

But MAD Day isn't just about walking. It's about walking with purpose.

Through MAD Day, we fundraise to support two incredible organisations doing life-changing work:

Wellsprings for Women

Based right here in Dandenong, Wellsprings for Women has been serving the community since 1994. Founded by the Presentation Sisters, this organisation provides support, education, and advocacy for women, particularly those from migrant, refugee, or socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Programs at Wellsprings include:

  • English language classes
  • Digital literacy and vocational training
  • Family violence support
  • Mental health services
  • Youth and children's programs
  • Settlement support for housing, employment, and legal aid

Wellsprings is all about empowerment — helping women build confidence and independence so they can thrive and make a meaningful contribution to Australian society.

The Lasallian Foundation

The Lasallian Foundation supports disadvantaged children across the Asia-Pacific region, with a special focus on education. In countries like Pakistan, where nearly 23 million children are not in school, the Foundation is working to change lives.

Their support includes:

  • Building and maintaining school infrastructure
  • Providing clean water and sanitary toilets
  • Funding teachers' salaries
  • Supplying essential learning materials

Through education, these children can access better futures, support their families, and lift entire communities out of poverty.

Together, We Make a Difference

Our goal this year is to raise $13,000 — and it only takes $20 from each student to make that happen.

 

By walking, donating, and learning, our students demonstrate their solidarity with communities in countries such as Pakistan, Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. It's about seeing the world beyond ourselves and knowing that even a small act — like walking 8km — can have a significant impact.

 

MAD Day is not just a school event. It's a lesson in compassion, a call to justice, and a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference.