KU Sutherland Preschool celebrates 125 years with 125 donations

KU was set up in 1895 and was the first provider of early childhood education and care in Australia.

KU Sutherland, located on Old Princes Highway, collected the 125 donations for the Dandelion Support Network, a local not-for-profit organisation that supports children and families in need.

Based in Caringbah, the charity provides essential items such as preloved cots, prams, car seats, clothing and linen.

KU Sutherland Director, Collette Heslehurst, said: "Throughout the week, the families at KU Sutherland donated new and recycled nursery items for babies and children in need including nappy bags, clothing, linen packs and toys.

"By the end of the week we were overwhelmed by the generosity and support from our families and we were pleased to have reached well above our goal of 125 donations."

The theme of the 125 years celebration was 'making a difference through 125 years of social impact and early education'.

"At KU Sutherland our program has always had a strong focus on community connections and sustainability. We are proud of our commitment to social impact and encourage children to learn about the world around them and the people they share it with through the context of community," said Ms Heslehurst.

The children were invited to reflect on the experience of collecting the donations and their likely impact for the families who would receive them, and they discussed other ways the preschool could support the community in the future.

Sophia, a child from the preschool, said: "We got stuff for them for their babies, so they can be happy. I'm going to give some books away for free so they can read."

Dandelion Support Network thanked the children via a Facebook post: "Thank you KU Children's Services who reached well above their goal of 125 donations. We are so appreciative."