Supporting this important work is why PCACS Operation Op Shop Day has become one of our biggest fundraising events each year, alongside the Anglicare Sleep Out.
The Street Connect Bus is one of the main charities supported by Anglicare WA. It provides vital outreach and support to homeless and at risk young people aged 15 to 25 across the Perth metropolitan area, offering food, first aid, informal counselling and connections to support services.
Supporting this important work is why PCACS Operation Op Shop Day has become one of our biggest fundraising events each year, alongside the Anglicare Sleep Out.
In the weeks leading up to Operation Op Shop Day, YMAD (Youth Making A Difference), under the leadership of our Year 10, 11 and 12 Anglicare Ambassadors, collected second hand clothing from PCACS staff and families.
Students then spent time sorting and preparing the donations for the big day. On Friday 14 August, students came to school dressed in op shop outfits and made gold coin donations, with further donations collected across the Junior School.
At recess, the Moortang Mia Auditorium was transformed into the PCACS Op Shop, giving staff and students the opportunity to browse the donated clothing and pick up a bargain.
At lunchtime, the Op Shop and soup kitchen were open for the school community. Clothing was sold for $2 per item or three items for $5, while chicken noodle and tomato soup with fresh bread rolls were also available for a small donation.
The lunchtime fashion parade was a highlight of the day, with prizes awarded across five categories. The HASS Department won the staff prize for their fun cowboy themed outfits. Thank you also to our Junior School teachers and EAs who came along to support the event.
It was a fantastic day of fundraising, fun and community spirit. After weeks of preparation, the remaining clothing will be donated to the Textiles and Drama Departments for future use.
A Fantastic Fundraising Result
The PCACS Op Shop Day raised approximately $1,900 for Anglicare and the Street Connect Bus.
PCACS students also took part in the Anglicare Sleepout at the WACA, with 37 students and two staff members spending the night sleeping on cardboard and taking part in activities designed to help them understand some of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. The Sleep Out raised just over $9,000.
Together, PCACS raised approximately $11,000 for Anglicare and the Street Connect Bus.
Kelly Keall from Anglicare will be visiting PCACS next week to personally thank our students for their incredible fundraising efforts.
A huge thank you to our YMAD students and Anglicare Ambassadors for their hard work and commitment to Operation Op Shop. Thank you also to the staff who supported the event, our staff members who took part in the Sleep Out, and all the families and staff who generously donated clothing.
Most importantly, thank you to our PCACS students for their enthusiasm, generosity and commitment to supporting such a worthy cause.
What an incredible PCACS community effort!
Melanie Hunt
Service Learning Coordinator and Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator