CARDS from hundreds of Sheldon College students are on their way overseas for those who will not be making it home for Christmas, as well as to farmers who have suffered through the drought this year.
The idea came about last year when Tracey Pollard, manager of the Senior Learning Centre, was researching World Wars and landed on the Australian Defence Force website.
It mentioned that army personnel posted overseas for Christmas love to receive messages from Australia to help rid their feelings of homesickness.
Students from Years 6 through to Year 12 and even some from kindergarten chose to recognise the bravery of these men and women.
This year, students also chose to acknowledge the many farmers suffering from drought throughout most of 2019.
Community service group organiser Catherine Heiner said teachers felt it was important to raise our students' awareness of the numerous Australian troops serving overseas.
"Given that we have just finished a unit of study on Water in the World, or more specifically, the problems associated with drought in Australia, we then thought we could help to spread some cheer to our farmers who are enduring significant hardship at this time," she said.
"We have been quite moved by the heartfelt messages written by the children to both groups of people.
"They have shown real compassion and empathy."
One of the cards, made by Year 7 student Jacob, has already been received by cattle farmers Brian and Fiona Allan from Quorrobolong in New South Wales.
Upon receiving the card, Mr and Mrs Allan sent a special message of thanks.
"The past few years have been very tough, so the card really brightened our day," they said.
"Please pass on our thanks to all your students and let them know that the cards are appreciated and really do make a huge difference."
