RICHMOND High School has once again thrown its support behind families affected by sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), through its annual fundraising activities for Red Nose Day.
Last year, the school and the wider community raised $9000 for Red Nose, and the school hopes to match the achievement this year.
Locals can contribute to the cause by purchasing Red Nose-themed merchandise from Richmond High students who will be setting-up stalls in Richmond Marketplace, Richmond Mall, Windsor Riverview and Penrith Westfield during the week leading up to July 6, which is the last day of school term. All these funds will go towards the school’s Red Nose Day total.
On Friday, June 22, the students and teachers at Richmond High kicked-off their fundraiser by making a giant ‘shape’ on the back field.
This is one of the highlights of the school’s annual Red Nose Day event, and every student and teacher contributes to the shape which is chosen by the Student Representative Council and scaled-up by the school’s Industrial Arts department.
This year, the shape depicted a sleeping, and smiling, baby. A Police Wing Helicopter – complete with a painted red nose – flew over the school field and took photos from above.
Following the flyover, the students and teachers faced-off in a range of games.
Teacher and librarian Lolita Garcia said the annual game of ‘Richmond Rules’ resulted in “yet another win for the teachers against the students.”
“A whole school BBQ and ‘talent show’ style concert completed the day. All students paid to enjoy these activities, with all money raised going towards Red Nose Day,” she said.
The same week, local primary schools helped-out by holding their own primary schools concert and lunch, as well as a primary schools colouring competition, raising further funds for the cause.
St Hillier’s, the construction company building the new all purpose hall on the Richmond High grounds, has also been assisting the school reach their fundraising target by holding weekly BBQs for their staff.
Richmond High has been raising funds for Red Nose (previously known as SIDS and Kids NSW) for three decades, during which time it has donated a massive $360,000 to the cause.
The charity provides support for families affected by SIDS as well as education for new parents on safe sleeping routines.
Red Nose aims to eradicate SIDS entirely through its advocacy, education and support work.
According to the charity, 3200 Australian families experience the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child every year.