Students from St Pius X College open their hearts for Project Compassion

This year, we have been fortunate to share in some incredible stories from schools right across Australia. Students and staff have shared tales of their inspired activities and of their motivation to open their hearts and reach out to those most in need through Project Compassion.

It is stories like this one we received from Andrew Long, a prefect at St Pius X College, that make us thankful we are supported by such a caring and generous community, and it is stories like this that help motivate us to continue working with the poorest of the poor because together we can make a difference.

“Throughout the entirety of Project Compassion 2011, the common theme emanating throughout the St Pius X College community was the notion of school spirit, and that of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.

The main reason the St Pius X College was able to rally together for the 6 weeks of Project Compassion and raise a grand total of $13 424 was because of the commitment of each and every student to a cause beyond their immediate selves. What we kept trying to stress to the students was that small contributions to the cause, and by that I mean a dollar or two each day, could have an incredibly powerful impact.

Donations grew exponentially the longer Project Compassion continued and throughout each passing week the students became more devoted and more committed to the cause. Motion led to emotion and students began to donate 10, 20, even 50 dollar notes from their own pocket for no other reason than they believed that it was the right thing to do. No prize or reward was ever offered nor was any pressure ever placed on donating; it came down to the willingness of every student to commit as much as he believed was worthy to the cause Project Compassion represented. I believe that the bottom line number of $13 424 is a testament to the profound sense of community, both locally and globally, that exists at St Pius. This great achievement serves as a message which speaks volumes of the immense level of school spirit and pride that pervades throughout the entire college.”
- Andrew Long, St Pius X College Prefect

Thank you Andrew and all at St Pius X College for extending your compassion to fight global poverty and social injustice! We are truly grateful for your generosity and dedication.