COFFS Harbour Christian Community School student body has shown what really matters to them through their efforts in the school’s annual ‘Run for Membantu’ cross country and fund-raising event on Friday 19 March.

They rallied together, spreading the word to family and friends in a real and genuine way, outlining the desperate needs of young people in Bali.

The impact of COVID-19 has significantly worsened the situation on the Indonesian island, with countless families struggling to meet their most basic needs.

The Indonesian word “Membantu” translates in English to “help”, which is exactly what they hope to do in Indonesia.

The aim is to create awareness and raise financial support for underprivileged young people attending partner schools in Bali.

Over the past 11 years the school community has raised over $250,000, all of which has gone directly to providing physical resources and supporting much needed infrastructure development in the areas of education, health, and housing.

Through word of mouth, online sponsorship, sausage sizzles, cake sales, wristband sales, courageous hair and beard clipping (as shown in the photo) and even roadside stalls, the school managed to raise a further $25,000, all of which will go helping young people in Indonesia.

This effort is truly outstanding and is a testament to the selflessness and love within the community, prioritising the needs of others during this difficult time.

The schools Director of Ministries, Dave Sochon said, “We look for activities that instruct our students in how Christianity works in the community.

“We aim to teach them to reach out to people in need and to actively look for people who need help.”

The school would like to thank all of the local businesses involved for enabling and continuing to support this effort, contributing products or services to the cause, many of them have faced their own difficulties during the past 12 months of the COVID pandemic crisis and the school is truly humbled by their generosity.

 

By David TUNE