I was so proud to be amongst the sea of pink singlets representing Girls Grammar and running for an important cause at Sunday’s Rocky River Run. It was truly amazing to see the number of students, staff and parents get involved in our first ever school team registration for this annual fun run. We stood out from the crowd, represented our school with pride, raised funds and awareness for the R U OK? Charity and benefited from physical activity at the same time.
Volunteers at this community event commented on how great everyone looked and one even asked a staff member “do you have your whole school participating?” based on the number of Girls Grammar singlets visible throughout the morning.
For our first time entering Central Queensland’s largest charity running event we had 106 registered members of the Girls Grammar Team. This is a phenomenal start and close to a third of our school!
We had students, staff and parents represented in the 10km, 5km and 2km events with one student placing 4th in the 10km under 18 category and another placing 5th in the same category for the 5km race. In the 2km event, 5 of our girls placed in the top 20 finishers in the 8-11 year old category, and in the 12-15 year old category, 13 out of the top 20 finishers were from Girls Grammar. In the 16+ age group, 8 of the first 20 finishers were registered as part of our school team. Amazing efforts everyone!
Another impressive part of our involvement in the Rocky River Run were the donations made to the charity R U OK?. Their mission is to inspire and empower people to meaningfully connect with those in their world and lend support when they are struggling with life. They received the second highest number of donations from money raised by the fun run, with our Girls Grammar team contributing a fifth of their total donations. Fundraising for particular charities is highly valued by our school community. From Funky hair day, RSPCA day, R U OK? Day, Pink Day and Bulls’ n’ Barrels, we support and raise awareness and much needed funds for charities and organisations that we have a strong connection with.
There are many positive aspects to the promotion of charities in schools. Research has found that charitable activities develop a sense of citizenship in terms of individual engagement and participation in collective school activities. Fundraising for a charity brings a sense of common purpose and helps build a strong school ethos. Engaging in charitable activities from a young age, children intrinsically focus on everyday acts of kindness rather than viewing charity as just monetary donations.
The Charities Aid Foundation outlines the positive impact of philanthropy, stating that donating to the causes you care about not only benefits the charities themselves, it can be deeply rewarding to yourself. They list the five reasons why giving to charity can be so gratifying.
It makes you feel good. Research has identified a link between making a donation to charity and increased activity in the area of the brain that registers pleasure.
It strengthens personal values. A feeling of social conscience was the most widely given reason to give to charity in the research the foundation conducted.
Giving is more impactful than ever. Methods of giving ensure chosen charities benefit as much as possible from people’s support.
It introduces children to the importance of generosity. Sharing the experience of donating to charity with children shows them from a young age that they can make positive changes in the world.
It encourages friends and family to do the same. Charitable donations can inspire those around you to give to causes important to them.
If any of these reasons resonate with you, have a think about a charity that has meaning for you. The link to donate to the Rockhampton Girls Grammar School R U OK? fundraising page is still accessible. To access, follow the link 7 Rocky River Run 2021 (grassrootz.com)
Kara Krehlik
Deputy Principal - Students