FOR THE students and staff of St Paul's College Kempsey, fundraising for the annual Caritas Project Compassion Appeal came with a twist.
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If they raised $5000 or more, the leader of School Evangelisation, and executive team member, Dominic MacAndrews, who is a passionate Maroons supporter and grew up in Queensland, would have to wear NSW Blues clothing on game day of the first State of Origin.
Having raised $5000.40, that challenge became a reality as Mr MacAndrews donned a NSW jumper and scarf, momentarily putting aside his Queensland pride and wearing clothes he never dreamt he would.
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"The efforts of the whole college community were truly amazing," Mr MacAndrews said.
"This is the largest amount that we have fundraised in recent history. I'm really proud of everyone's efforts which help some of the poorest and neediest people throughout the world.
"Fundraisers included bake sales, sausage sizzles, 100 club, a St Patrick's Day stall, Easter egg raffles, lolly guessing competitions, and milkshake and hot chips pop-up stalls, all organised by students in a spirit of fun and some healthy competition to see which class would raise the most money.
"The game was exhilarating, and one of the best State of Origin games I've watched in recent memory. That the mighty Maroons won the game was a sweet consolation to the earlier humility and banter I had experienced earlier in the day.
"I must say there were more than a few colleagues who were very quiet come the Thursday."
Caritas is an international aid agency with very low administrative costs, ensuring maximum support for those most in need. Their efforts include responding immediately to natural disasters and urgent appeals, as well as supporting long-term development programs in impoverished communities in Africa, Asia, Indigenous Australia and the Pacific.
Through their major annual Project Compassion fundraiser, millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.
