As packs of multi-coloured cornflour powder exploded into the air, so did the excitement levels at Kareela Public School.
The school hosted its first colour dash on March 24 – a two-kilometre track event that wrapped up the school’s mission to raise money for air-conditioners in classrooms.
Its total target was $120,000, and that goal was reached this year.
In November last year, the school had $50,000 left to raise, following the success of several fundraisers all working towards the same aim.
The school appealed to parents to raise 50 per cent of the remaining funds and offered businesses to match the investment.
The colour dash brought in the last of the funds – more than $14,000 on the day.
P&C treasurer, Zoe Davies, said the support of families and sponsors was phenomenal.
“We were delighted,” she said.
“More than 650 people participated, including lots of families from outside the area, and the kids loved it.
“We knew it was a huge undertaking but this was our last push to get us over the line.”
She says air-conditioners will not only create a cooler environment in summer but will remove the need for gas heaters in winter.
“Keeping rooms at the right temperate will help children with medical needs,” she said.
“We have a child in our school with epilepsy, and a high proportion of type 1 diabetes, so a cooler atmosphere will help learning, but will improve sustainability.”
P&C president, Caterina Zannino said parents were overwhelmed to see that their needs were met.
“This is what parents were asking for – they were desperate for it,” she said.
“It was a huge success and we ran it ourselves.”
