By Esther Lauaki
Heathdale Christian College students put on their game faces last week with a goal to raise $20,000 for a serious cause.
The students organised a 24-hour fundraising “Ping-pong-a-thon” at Werribee Baptist Church to combat the global slave trade.
Ping-pong-a-thon events are hosted annually around Australia and the US to raise money to go towards the abolition of slavery and human traffiking.
Head ping-pong student organiser Danielle told
Star Weekly the cause resonated with her and her peers.
“I found myself getting more invested in the cause and really ready to help others,” Danielle said. “I could have been sold into slavery, I was just born into a privileged society. We’re the same, just different circumstances.”
Heathdale Christian College students raised thousands through movie nights, sausage sizzles and food order drives earlier this year.
Principal Ross Grace said the college had been involved with Ping-Pong-a-Thon over the past three years but this was the first year it had been entirely student-led.
“There are 45.8 million slaves in the world today, more than any other time in history. It’s a fact that has hit home with our student body, and a team of students has really taken on the Ping-Pong-a-Thon as their own this year,” Mr Grace said.
“They’re a very passionate group of kids, and the whole school is getting behind it.”
Mr Grace said over the two-day marathon, 140 students and staff took to the tables making Heathdale Christian College the largest participating school in Australia.
So far students have raised more $12,000 towards their goal.
