Year nine students at St Joseph's Catholic College have joined the effort to help drought-stricken farmers struggling through some of the driest years on record.
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The small cohort of around 20 students raised $420.90 through selling an assortment of home-made baked goods at the school's evening of excellence late last year.
At an assembly today, the cheque was handed over to the Country Women's Association to be distributed directly to farming families through the Northern Territory Disaster Relief Fund.
Leading the appeal was year-nine-student Lilly Beebe, who grew up on a station in the Barkly region, and is no stranger to the impacts of drought.
"Most of us have friends or family living on stations, and I have personally experienced drought on a station over the years growing up," Ms Beebe said.
"We knew a lot of people needed help and I felt strongly about the whole thing because I know what they are going through from past experiences.
"I know others wanted to pitch in and help too."
The fundraiser dates back to last year, when the students were in year eight.
Through a plethora of discussions as part of their Business and Enterprise unit with St Joseph's teacher Kane Griffin, the students decided on a cause and set the wheels in motion.
"We had plenty of discussions on the merits of fundraising for causes overseas while local communities were also struggling," Mr Griffin said.
"In the end the students decided the farming community was important to their livelihoods, we have students directly impacted by these sever droughts, students who catch the bus in from Pine Creek, or board at Calistamin House because the commute from their station is too far."
Mr Griffin said the students spent time researching local charities and settled on the CWA for their efforts in keeping funds local.
"It was absolutely fantastic to see everyone contributing and getting so involved in supporting their local community."
Tying in perfectly with the CWA's ethos of championing the arts of baking and creating, the students took time out of their busy schedules to get creative in the kitchen.
"We are very happy to have been thought off," the Country Women's Association secretary Elisabeth McKerracher said after the assembly.
"Every cent that is donated is put directly to struggling farmers through the NT Disaster Relief Fund."
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