On side: Loyola Trade Centre student Luke Knight with a Socceroos jersey signed by Tim Cahill, which was one of the raffle prizes on offer at the Loyola family fun day on September 1. Picture: Gary Warrick
THE Samuel Morris Foundation has benefited following a recent Loyola Senior High School family fun day.
The annual fete, run by students from the trade training centre, is held to raise funds for a local cause.
More than $3000 was raised for the Samuel Morris Foundation, supporting children disabled by near drowning or with other hypoxic brain injuries.
A similar amount was raised for the foundation last year.
Teacher Samantha Boreham was pleased with the turnout and the outcome.
"This great opportunity for real world learning prepares students for future challenges," she said.
Blacktown Council donated the stage.
Students were assessed on the event as part of their social justice studies. Tasks included calls and writing letters to businesses for donations, pricing, setting up and manning stalls.
Tasks were incorporated into subjects such as maths, English and business studies.
Year 12 student Luke Knight was one of the organisers. He chose the cause as he's a family friend of the Morris family, whose son Samuel almost drowned in the backyard pool at his Cranebrook home six years ago.
It left Samuel, now 8, with a range of severe disabilities.
"It's been very hard on the family so my sister and I support the cause any chance we get," Luke said.
Canvassing businesses for donations was the toughest challenge for organisers but they enjoyed the teamwork aspect involved.
Luke hopes to remain involved in the annual event after he leaves school.