Sharing and supporting
Young people are taking ownership of their giving – and one Year 12 student at Wesley College's St Kilda Road campus has triggered an annual fundraiser for Share to follow in his grandfather's footsteps.
Eighteen-year-old Tim Bliss is knee deep in economics, biology, maths and chemistry books but that hasn't stopped him establishing a triathlon event, named Tri-for-Change, to raise money for Share and their vital agency work.
"My grandfather, George Gilbertson, was a big supporter of Share," says Tim, "and after he passed away last year I decided I wanted to carry on the family tradition, while at the same time giving something back to the local community."
Tim wanted to combine teamwork with community-spirit and established the Tri-for-Change concept with some of his school friends. The fundraiser involves a 20 minute swim in Wesley College's pool, 20 minutes cycling in their gym and finally a 20-minute run around the school's grounds.
In year one, Tri-for-Change participants generated a healthy $1,232.40, but in 2016 Tim raised everyone's game and galvanised more than 20 fellow students to boost Share coffers with a staggering $3,848.65. The funds will be used in Share's important work, such as providing emergency relief for families in crisis, educational support for disadvantaged children and help for the homeless.
"We had a couple of really good fundraisers in the event this year," adds Tim, "and we promoted the event in the daily bulletin, I spoke about it in assembly and it went on the notice boards."
"About 30 minutes before the triathlon people gathered round to watch and take part, so there was a real buzz of anticipation. We had 12 individuals and a couple of teams. They came from different year levels and a mixture of male and female, so it was a real school-wide event. We also added a barbecue to raise a bit more money."
"I was really happy with the day and that people got behind the event. It was really worthwhile. I'm really pleased to continue my grandfather's support for Share".
His support doesn't end there, either. Tim plays the cello in a quartet at Wesley College, called The Wattle Quartet, and they are to play at a Share High Tea event for donors in October, 2016.
"Tim's initiative is a magnificent example of Wesley's vision for student led change in practice. I highly recommend the Wattle Quartet's performance in October too", said Dr Helen Drennen AM, Principal of Wesley College.
