LOCAL businesses, charities and people have chipped in to raise a record $25,000 for state school chaplaincy programs in the Redlands.
This year's fundraising effort, which took the amount raised across a five year period to almost $100,000 and set a record for the most money raised in a single year, was announced at the annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast last week.
Redlands Mayor Karen Williams said it was hoped the record result would allow more local schools to benefit from the chaplaincy program, which already supported more than 14,500 students.
"We really want all state school students across Redlands Coast to have access to vital chaplaincy services, with the success of the Mayoral Prayer Breakfast going a long way to supporting the service in schools that don't yet have access to the program," Cr Williams said.
"It really is important, as our chaplains provide timely care and mentoring, which helps students to realise their potential in this increasingly complex world.
"The programs run by chaplains make a positive contribution to our state schools and the money we have raised will help to continue and extend that work."
Cr Williams thanked all those who supported the event, especially the individual contributions of Albert Benfer and Esther Heidenreich.
"Albert and Esther have been generous supporters of this cause and I sincerely thank them, as well as the many other residents, business people and caring individuals who have sponsored and supported this outstanding effort," Cr Williams said.
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