By XAVIER SMERDON
THEY may be just 16-years-old but three Werribee students have already showed leadership and wisdom beyond their years.
Grayce Baxter, Laura Lunney and Tha Man Zung Mang from Heathdale Christian College were inspired to raise money to support young people battling cancer after attending a leadership camp.
After putting their heads together they decided to hold a week of fundraising events with all the money to go to Canteen, an organisation that provides free programs, services and resources for young people with cancer.
In just one week they managed to raise more than $1800 by selling bandanas and holding sausage sizzles.
“I don’t think many people relate cancer to teenagers so we wanted to hold some events that would let the other students know that people in their own age group get cancer too,” Grayce said.
All three of the students have been touched by cancer in some way, and Laura even lost a very close family member to the disease.
“It made us want to do it even more,” Laura said.
“The smallest amount of money counts and the money that we raised can help so many people.”
Their year level coordinator, Rani Medara, who’s own brother is currently battling cancer, said she was inspired by her student’s hard work.
“We thought it was a really great cause and the determination the kids showed really surprised us,” Ms Medara said.
“It’s really touching and it made others see how much they care.”
Both Grayce and Laura have seen been named service captains at the school for next year, meaning they will be in charge of community outreach initiatives.
Grayce said she hoped the Canteen fundraiser would be turned into an annual event.
