Community Service Captain

The Community Service Committee aims to share joy and comfort in times of uncertainty by giving back to our community. In early April, we began collecting chocolate Easter eggs that were donated by students and families in both Senior and Junior School. Through the hands of many students and staff, hundreds of bags and cards were wrapped and delivered to members of our community, from the less fortunate friends and families to the Retirement Villages nearby.

As Community Service Captain, I have experienced this particular type of wonder – a wonder that involves a collaboration of students across Years 7-12 who wish to serve with kindness and fun, a wonder where each meeting is a time and place for building community. This has allowed our team to prepare and host successful events such as Daffodil Day (on RUOK Day) and RecyKle, a traditional House competition at Redeemer.

RecyKle was absolutely phenomenal this year. Students competed against each other in a race to gain the most distance on stationary bikes, while a sausage sizzle and soft drink stall operated on the side to raise money for the Leprosy Mission. The atmosphere was like a football stadium; it was loud, fun and exciting! Although all the participants were exhausted from the cycling, a total of $280 was raised to help those who are suffering from leprosy around the world. Even a small act of kindness or donation, such as a simple purchase of sausage and bread for $2, can make a significant difference in another’s life. The Community Service Committee wanted to make a difference again, through the next project: Masking Up! Since the committee involves students from across all Senior School year levels, we were able to bring many talents and skills together to make reusable masks! Each reusable mask was crafted through the hands of all members, from cutting pieces of fabric to designing and attaching tags, organising the materials, and delivering them locally. The global pandemic has caused many unpredictable changes in our lives, but we have fought this battle and will continue to do so, as a community.

As the Captain, I want to thank every student and teacher who came along on this journey, and for all of your wonderful efforts that have changed the world (even slightly). Thank you to Mrs Dart, of course, for making the committee one-of-a-kind, and also a huge thank you to you, the Redeemer community, for your support throughout the year in assisting us to raise awareness and funds for many important causes.

Claudia Birrer Charmaine Chan Yanni Chan Sonal Chand Simone Coetzee Mackenzie Cuthbert Isabella Daley Hannah Dreghorn Elizabeth Ducke Eve Farmer Grace Farmer Tavish Geary Annabelle Henderson Francyse Hsu Calum Jones Andrew Kenny Beatrice Lau Jenny Lu Mykaelah Ludcke Danny Ly Emelie Ly Ashley McDonald Lili Olson Mikaela Pfeffer Rebecca Reid Ainsley Rudwick Zander Shepherd Alex Smith Caitlan Taylor Rhys Thurstun Shanice Timotius Tiffany Wells Katherine Williams Neo Yang Mrs Jodie Dart