To show support and solidarity to our farmers and their families, on Friday 6 December the St James' Primary School, Kotara South community held a fundraiser for Rural Aid.

In the weeks before the fundraiser, students were asked to collect gold coins to contribute to the "heart of gold". Children were encouraged to "help out" with additional chores around the house to earn their gold coins.

Leading up to the event, staff were blown away with stories about students going above and beyond to raise money and display the school value of "service" in the community. Stories ranged from students donating coins from their personal savings to others branching out into the community and raising money.

Not only was the heart filled with gold coins, but valleys of gold coins were created to symbolise rivers of water flowing from the heart.

Throughout the day, students spent time reflecting on the impact the drought is having on our Australian farmers. Students watched newsfeeds and read stories about life on the farm.

To make this connection more authentic, students from St James' wrote Christmas cards to students at St Joseph's, Merriwa as a way of letting them know the school community will be keeping them and their families in their prayers over the summer holidays and into 2020.

During lunchtime, the school hall turned into a country-style "hoedown". Students showcased a wide range of talents as they took part in "busking" to help raise additional funds while other students baked sweet goods to sell.

In total, the school community of St James' raised $4000, which will be directly donated to Rural Aid. The organisation provides holistic support to Australian farmers in times of need.

To donate now to support the work of Rural Aid, click here.

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