Schoolgirl Philanthropists

Media release for immediate use
Schoolgirl Philanthropists

Philanthropy is alive and well at one Christchurch school – where a week learning to give has seen funds raised for a local charity and the school’s principal lose her job for a day.

Georgina Borowczyk, the St Margaret’s College Year 13 student appointed Head of Development, says Philanthropy Week (ended August 10) was “all about teaching the school community the value and art of giving.

“During the week, we have seen girls become aware of how they can help others – from giving a smile to helping raise money for our charity,” says Georgina. “There were no credits or points in it for us, simply learning about giving to others.”
A committee of senior students decided to raise money for the Family Help Trust, a Christchurch agency which operates child abuse-prevention services for high-risk families.

“We wanted to raise money for a local charity, so we could feel we were making a difference here,” says Georgina. “As it turned out, most of the country was talking about the issue of child abuse the same week we were raising money for a charity which works to prevent it.”

The St Margaret’s College girls spent most of their school holidays making presentations to city businesses, seeking support and donations for the events of the week. The week began with a mufti day, included addresses from speakers including local philanthropist Lady Diana Isaac and culminated with a charity auction at the school last Friday night

“We had to have every item donated, as well as get sponsorship for the costs of the event,” says Georgina. “Local businesses were just awesome and we had a wide variety of great items to auction.

“We set a target, but ended up more than doubling it – we raised more than $20,000. It was amazing and really wonderful.”

Top price of the night was paid for four adults and ten children to attend a Crusaders’ training session, but the prospect of being principal for a day was also popular and keenly contested.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved and of how the girls at school have understood more about giving. Comparatively, we come from fortunate backgrounds, so it has been useful for us to think about others and how we can give to them,” says Georgina. “It has definitely been a busy few months, but it has all been worthwhile.”

ENDS

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