A group of Year 12 students in the Children, Family and Community course at Mercedes College recently put together backpacks full of practical and encouraging gifts to support children in out-of-home and crisis care.

The students spent time during their final weeks of secondary school making soft cuddle blankets and sourcing items including clothing, toiletries, books, stationery and toys for the packs, with the help of donations from students in other classes.

The packs, which are intended to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing for children and young, were presented to Operation Sunshine WA, to be passed on to children in foster care.

Children, Family and Community Teacher, Mrs Sonya Roberts said this final Year 12 project aligned beautifully with the College’s Mercy Service Program.

“Packing these bags has given students an opportunity to put what we have learnt about social justice into action,

“It is the College’s mission for students to become real women of Mercy with a strong sense of the influence they can have in the world beyond Mercedes,

“I am so proud of the generosity and willingness of our students to help others in our community,”

The project was an opportunity for students to learn more about the experiences of children and young people who enter out-of-home or crisis care for a range of reasons (approximately 1,100 each year in Western Australia), while making a positive difference by working with Operation Sunshine WA, who coordinate delivery to relevant agencies and organisations across the State.

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