Allison Baden-Clay’s nephews have made an impactful contribution to the success of Strive To Be Kind month by driving fundraising initiatives at their school, West Moreton Anglican College.
Jacob (Year 12) and Benjamin (Year 9) are the children of Allison’s sister Vanessa Fowler (OAM), who is chair of The Allison Baden-Clay Foundation and the new co-chair of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council.
Jacob, 17, who is College Music Co-Captain, and Benjamin, who is Middle School Co-Captain, organised stalls and inspired fellow students to sell yellow ribbons, as well as 100 bunches of sunflowers, as the whole College was splashed in yellow for a day.
At WestMAC, $645 was raised, as part of the total amount of $62,000, in Strive To Be Kind (STBK) month (July). Money raised will help with the development of educational resources to assist schools and universities in delivering respectful relationships programs.
WestMAC Principal Geoff McLay said the College was proud of the achievements and values of the Fowler brothers.
“Jacob and Benjamin are positive role models within their peer group. They are kind, caring and considerate young men and as a result of those attributes, they are respected by their peers,’’ Mr McLay said.
“WestMAC supports student leadership and initiative, and we are proud of Jacob and Benjamin’s efforts to raise funds and to embrace an important program such as Kindness Day, which will have a positive impact on the broader community.
“The boys live out the values espoused in The WestMAC Way, respecting others, enacting kindness, being courageous and responsible. It’s no surprise that they are leaders in the WestMAC community.’’
Mrs Fowler praised West Moreton Anglican College for supporting and helping to facilitate the fundraising effort, as well as for understanding and teaching important values such as being respectful and kind, not only to yourself but also to others.
“WestMAC has been a very positive school environment for the boys, and it is exciting to have the College involved in sharing our message of kindness,’’ Fowler said.
“STBK Day aligns well with the WestMAC Way and all students are very aware of the importance of respect and care towards others. The College does an excellent job in nurturing the whole child and ensuring that these values are incorporated into their learning.
“Our family want to ensure that Allison's legacy is a positive one and celebrating her generosity and kindness through STBK Day is important to us.’’
“It is important for the community to be aware of Allison's story so that they can be educated in recognising the signs of coercive control.’’
Mrs Fowler said STBK Day was about awareness and kindness, and we raise funds through the sale of yellow lapel ribbons, the sale of sunflowers and our annual STBK Day Long Lunch. All funds raised go toward developing and delivering educational programs for young people in the community.
The community are encouraged to participate in next year’s STBK day on Friday 29th July, by hosting a gathering wearing splashes of yellow and performing random acts of kindness to one another. To donate or for more information: allisonbadenclayfoundation.org.au/strive-kind-day/
For more information about West Moreton Anglican College and The WestMAC Way, click here.
The sunflowers were donated by Kalbar Sunflower Farm in the Scenic Rim.
For more information:
West Moreton Anglican College Senior Communications and Events Officer
Fiona Purdon
P:07 3813 4518 and M: (0429) 491 335