ST Stephen’s School students recently had the privilege of deciding which charity would receive a $25,000 donation from WA Charity Direct.
Following the success of the inaugural WACD school pilot program last year, selected Year 8 Carramar and Duncraig students researched charities in need through a series of workshops.
The successful recipient was the Saba Rose Button Foundation.
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READ NOWKirsten Button said they were “really excited and honoured” to be chosen.
“(The students) did a lot of research in their program to see what was the best foundation they wanted to pursue and help out, and thankfully they chose us,” she said.
Ms Button’s daughter Saba suffered severe brain damage and multiple organ failure in reaction to a 2010 flu vaccine at just 11-months-old.
Saba was subsequently diagnosed as having cerebral palsy from an acquired brain injury caused by the vaccination.
The Saba Rose Button Foundation was later created, working to support children who have special needs and their families.
“The foundation sponsors any child who has any sort of neurological disorder, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries or traumatic brain injuries,” Ms Button said.
Three children were selected through the foundation as recipients of the $25,000 donation, which will fund rehabilitation, respite and equipment through its RehabME program.
“Cooper has just been involved in our RehabME Intensive Collective Program, which is offering intensive rehabilitation for children,” Ms Button said.
“Nate was the same and achieved amazing things at the RehabME Intensive Collective, and then little Nina; we put in a grant to help with some respite for her family.”
WACD school program ambassador and Perth Wildcats captain Damian Martin said it was an honour to team up again with St Stephen’s School.
“The WACD school program aims to assist students in developing philanthropic principles and it is particularly pleasing to see the commitment the students of St Stephen’s have shown,” he said.