Teens set higher goals
Students raise funds for autism
THE boys from Toowoomba Grammar School’s Mackintosh House have been training hard and raising funds to take part in a charity run to help children with autism.
Mackintosh House senior border prefect and service committee leader Jack Waugh said he was surprised by the amount of students who had put their hand up to be part of the event.
More than 40 students will participate in the AEIOU Foundation’s Take A Hike fundraising event in March.
“Last year, we had about 14 boys volunteer for the event but now we have 44 students taking part in this year’s fundraiser,” Jack said.
The boys from the boarding house have set a goal of raising $2000 for the event.
“We started raising funds at the end of last week and have managed to raise about $800,” he said.
Mackintosh House boarding master Chris McLeod said the boys from the boarding house tried to get involved with a service activity every term.
“When they start thinking about other people ahead of themselves, it’s a sign that they are becoming good young men,” Mr McLeod said.
“The school really drives for the boys to think about others before themselves, so I am really proud of them.”
The funds raised from the hike will support children with autism in Toowoomba, who are receiving early intervention therapy and care at the foundation.
Mr McLeod said the boys had set a goal of raising $50 each to reach their overall goal of $2000.
“Some of the boys have already raised $150 by themselves for the fundraiser,” he said.
There are four distances for participants to choose during the run which are 21km, 10.5km, 5km and a 1km dash for children under 10.
The Take A Hike event will be held on Sunday, March 31 at Queens Park on the corner of Margaret St and Hume St.
For more information visit takeahike.org.au.