School Support
Step Up Today
Your school can play a pivotal role in supporting St Mary’s House of Welcome. Whether it's fundraising events, awareness campaigns, visiting our centre, or another initiative, your involvement can make a significant impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness and social marginalisation.
We're here to support you every step of the way.
Explore our Fundraising Resources page for all the tools you need to make your fundraising event or program a success.
Check out our Educational Handouts designed to help students familiarise themselves with the statistics and facts surrounding homelessness in Australia.
Keep scrolling to see the ways your school can get involved!
Movin For Meals
Are you ready to go the distance to help people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage?
This May, why not hit the streets so that others can eat and take part in St Mary’s of Welcome’s annual MOVIN’ FOR MEALS challenge?
When? Throughout the month of May
Where? Anywhere you like!
Walk, run, cycle - you choose... Just get movin'!
All you need to do is choose how far you want to go to make a difference, sign up online and get your friends and family to support you through sponsorship.
Whether you want to challenge yourself on your own or as part of a team with friends, classmates or colleagues, you will be raising vital funds to provide hot, filling meals to people sleeping rough and experiencing chronic homelessness - some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
The MOVIN' FOR MEALS challenge can be completed doing your own thing, at your own pace, anywhere in Australia – even in the comfort of your own home, backyard or local park.
Join us for a morning filled with joy and compassion, eagerly anticipated by many of our service users. Your school group will have the opportunity to spend the morning in our kitchen, flipping pancakes and preparing a mid-morning snack for people in need.
This event is not just about pancakes; it's a wonderful way to immerse yourselves in our centre, witness the impactful work we do, and share meaningful moments with our community members.
It's a delightful morning and a delicious way to give back to the community as a group.
Please note that age limits do apply, and a school guardian must accompany the group. Contact us to find out more and organize a memorable morning for your school group to come in!
Pancake Days
Pyjama Days
Comfort with a purpose! Consider organising a Pyjama Day at your school to support those facing homelessness and hardship. It's an opportunity to create a cosy atmosphere while making a meaningful change.
Encourage everyone to wear their favorite PJs and contribute a gold coin donation. Choose a date all year round for your special PJ day, winter or summer, fun for all seasons.
A simple and comfy way the whole school can get involved and raise funds for people who need it most!
Donation Tins
Small change really make s a big difference!
Make fundraising for a great cause easy and accessible within your school community! Consider placing one of our collection tins in key locations around your school reception, the cafeteria, classrooms, or any area where spare change can gather.
Find fun and creative ways to encourage students, staff, and parents to drop spare change into the collection tin.
Gifts in Kind
We invite your school to join our Gift-in-Kind Initiative, an effort to provide essential items and support to individuals facing homelessness. Your school’s participation can make a significant impact on those who rely on our assistance.
Engage your school members and local communities in a collaborative item drive. Our item list outlines the most-needed items to offer practical assistance to those in need. Additionally, consider organising a school-wide canned food drive to contribute non-perishable items for nutritious meals.
If your school has a unique fundraising idea, go for it! Whether it's a charity run, a bake sale, or a creative event, the funds received can be used to acquire essential items as per the current needs.
Visit our centre to contribute items in person, and for those interested in organising a fundraiser or with questions, please contact our Fundraising Team at fundraising@smhow.org.au
Your school's engagement will directly impact the well-being of those facing homelessness. Let's work together to make a positive difference in their lives.
Create Your Own!
There are plenty of options if you are looking for fundraising ideas.
You can come up with some fun, original fundraisers that can involve everyone - students, teachers and parents.
- Holding a music concert or talent show
- Sports events like a fun run
- Fairs & fetes
- Car or dog washes
- Auctions
- Bake sale
- Dance-a-thon, skip-a-thons, spell-a-thons
- Dress-up day
- Trivia night
- Coupon books