On the coffee table in the reception area there was a bowl of fresh fruit. A few children popped in and helped themselves, before returning to their friends, their skipping ropes and their ball games, in the playground that smelled of freshly mown grass.
In another room, next to boxes of donated footwear and socks, a child was being fitted for a pair of shoes. No cold, wet feet at this school. None!
The stock of footwear, socks and fruit was replenished as and when needed.
In the canteen, a blackboard listed the daily specials. The range of soups, casseroles and pasta were evening meals for families, all donated by families. And beside the carpark a special sign took pride of place. It read: ‘Welcome Walkers’. Children seeking a safe passage home were guaranteed the company of a friend so they wouldn’t go home to an empty house.
These were offerings made by a local school. Your school could offer just the same. Why not? That’s the way it used to be.
In 1949, Victorian schools established Christmas appeals to benefit children of ex-servicemen and women, and children living in out-of-home institutions. By 1967, more than 115,000 toys had been donated by school-age children.
In 1968, 435 Junior Red Cross Clubs operated in public schools across Victoria. Students made toys, raised money and visited lonely and elderly citizens. In the same year, the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments worked together to provide 339 free English language courses for adult migrants throughout Victoria. Most of the classes were held in government schools.
In Australia today there are more than 57,000 charities, with a combined income of $146 billion and more than 400,000 volunteers. Schools receive billions of dollars in funding from the government and billions more from parents, by way of fees and donations.
Despite this investment of time and money, children are still hungry, feet remain cold, people still sleep on the street and the elderly remain lonely.
Charity begins in the home. Perhaps it should also begin at school – as an equaliser for children, starting with the basics – food, footwear and friendship.
Next time you consider giving to charity, consider the families in your local area and your local school. By taking out the middle man, communities might be able to reconnect – over a bowl of fruit, perhaps, or a pair of comfy shoes.
Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Lacey All rights reserved.
Parent, educationist and agitating advocate for change in Australian education.
By raising the bar we can challenge and overcome any global challenges facing Australia and Australians.
Click here to learn how we can work together or contact me at cheryl@cheryllacey.com.
