Students' Can-do Attitude

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday May 9, 2007

By SARAH-KATE SCICLUNA

FORGET hopscotch or marbles.

Canned food was the choice for 430 Hunter Christian School students in the playground yesterday when they helped launch the Samaritans 2007 Winter Appeal.

Hundreds of tins of soup, fruit, baked beans and spaghetti were shaped into the Samaritans' blue and green logo by students from kindergarten to year 12.

The project was also part of the school's Show What You Know program, which involves classes adopting a local group or organisation to support throughout the school year.

Samaritans chief executive Cec Shevels said it was the first time a school had helped launch the appeal.

This year's appeal aims to raise $140,000, an increase of $20,000 from last year.

"I think it was a great idea. The kids were terrific. Children are so keen and enthusiastic. It's good for them and good for us," Mr Shevels said.

"The appeal is an opportunity for us to raise extra funds and extra supplies of food for people in a serious situation . . . over 1000 families and individuals in the Hunter visit the Samaritans every month."

Mr Shevels said the tinned food would be distributed to people in need in the Hunter.