SuniTAFE Students Host Fundraiser for Willow’s Walkers
SuniTAFE’s Work Education students hosted a fundraising cafe service last week for local charity Willow’s Walkers, helping to raise funds for local children living with cerebral palsy.
The Work Education program supports post-compulsory school-aged learners with permanent intellectual disabilities to improve their employability and work readiness, as well as helping them to explore work options and pathways.
An important part of the curriculum is running cafe services in the on-campus Courtyard Cafe, encouraging learners to practice workplace skills in a supportive environment. Last week’s service was designed as a fundraiser for Willow’s Walkers.
The students and teachers were proud to welcome the charity’s founder Maddy Hura and her daughter Willow to the service to enjoy coffee and scones.
“When SuniTAFE Work Education teacher Mon reached out and said that she really wanted to support a local charity, we were beyond excited and grateful for SuniTAFE’s support,” Maddy said.
“Willow’s Walkers came about with our daughter, Willow. We know firsthand how hard it is to get intensive therapy locally, so the money we raise goes towards getting therapists from Geelong to come up and provide intensive therapy.
“Last year we were able to get 9 kids fully funded so they were able to participate in therapy, and this year we’re hoping to get 12.”
SuniTAFE CEO Brett Millington was proud to see SuniTAFE students working towards such an important local cause.
“Our Work Education program helps change the lives of our participants by gaining skills that they can use in the workforce," he said.
"To be able to also use these skills to help others shows how truly committed these young people are to their community as well.
“To be able to assist Willow’s Walkers with their fundraising and importantly achieve their goals for community contribution is really a win-win and one we are very happy to be a part of."