Walk with purpose: MacKillop students raise $101k for Cancer Council ACT

Not even pouring rain could stop them – Year 12 students at St Mary MacKillop College braved the weather and hit the track last month, raising an incredible $101,000 for Cancer Council ACT in this year’s Relay for Life.

“We had a goal of $80,000, so when we passed that we were very excited,” School Captain Phoebe Vassallo said.

“Then hitting $100,000 was amazing. We never lost sight of how important that money is and where it is going.”

Principal Michael Lee said cancer had touched many families at the school, and he was incredibly proud of the Year 12 cohort.

“I was not even surprised to see that total amount – I’ve watched them give up wages from their part-time jobs in support,” he said.

“MacKillop students are taught at home and school that no matter what the challenge, we are not helpless, and there is always something that we can do. We have had some fairly significant cancer scares in the school. The kids’ families have battled with this; everyone knows because they look out and support each other. There was always a silent determination that this year group would do something constructive for others. It is very easy to be proud of them.”

School captain David Reyes said throughout the relay, which ran from 7am to 7pm on Saturday 29 March, students had shared personal stories.

“Everyone has a connection with cancer in some way, whether it is themselves or someone they love,” he said.

“Hearing other people’s stories was moving and powerful and inspired lots of donations. It was touching to see the impact that had on our entire cohort. It bonded us, and by the end of the day, we were all really close, and we all knew exactly why we were relaying. A bit of rain didn’t have a chance of stopping us.”

Cancer Council ACT CEO Verity Hawkins attended the school assembly at St Mary MacKillop College on Wednesday and said she was delighted to acknowledge the Year 12 group for their outstanding dedication, leadership and charitable support within the local community.

“Their efforts resulted in an incredible fundraising total of over $100,000 for Cancer Council ACT, which goes towards vital local cancer research, cancer prevention, and supportive care services to help alleviate the impact of cancer in our community,” she said.

Despite enduring rainy conditions on the day of their relay, Ms Hawkins said the students exhibited remarkable perseverance and positivity, successfully planning and completing a 12-hour relay.

“They walked, remembered, and most importantly, made a difference in the fight against cancer,” she said.

“I was truly inspired by their enthusiasm and can-do spirit, and I thank them for making an enormous difference to the lives of people affected by cancer in the ACT and our surrounding region.”

• Keep the MacKillop College Relay for Life tally climbing here:
  https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/stmarymackillopcollege