Helping shape a better future through power of giving

Perth Now

21-07-2025

Inspired after a recent visit to Perth Children's Hospital, a group of Geraldton students are combining compassion and creativity to harness the power of fundraising and storytelling — all in the name of Telethon.
The Year 6 students from Geraldton's St Francis Xavier Primary School are jumping on board the Kids Helping Kids storytelling competition, which launches on Monday as part of the Premier's Telethon Challenge.
Their teacher Kieya Smith said her class was so inspired and moved from a visit to PCH during a Year 6 camp in May, they straight away asked what they could do for Telethon.
'They came back, and they were like, 'Let's raise some money,' it all started from that, and they've kicked off and kept rolling, and have lots of drive behind it,' she said.
Ms Smith praised the students' initiative, saying their efforts had brought a fresh energy to the school.
'In most of our lessons, we do something towards this,' she said.
The class was introduced to the Premier's Telethon Challenge, a Statewide school fundraising initiative, and sprung into action.
Every Tuesday, the class splits into factions to develop and run unique fundraising activities, placing donation boxes in the classrooms, running bake sales and getting support from local businesses.
One recent highlight was a school-wide pyjama day, which raised $662, adding to a total of $6740 raised towards their $8000 goal.
Their next challenge is the Kids Helping Kids storytelling competition, which invites WA students, from kindergarten to Year 12, to reflect on how they and their school are shaping a brighter future through fundraising for WA kids.
Asked how it feels knowing his story could help other kids, Year 6 student Flynn Hosking said: 'It's a good feeling because you know how much they need it.'
Classmate Leeuwin Griffin added it was 'just not fair' what these kids were going through. 'We've been trying to get people to show more empathy for them,' he said.
Fellow student Indie Haines is positive the fundraising will make a difference.
'There will be a lot more money getting put into research and so that means more cures to help a heap of sicknesses,' she said.
The students remain focused on their goal of not just raising funds, but of raising awareness.
Storytelling competition entries can take any written or visual form — from short stories and photography to posters and poems.
It is open until Friday, August 15 and winning entries from four age categories will be published in The West Australian. Schools can submit one entry per age category.
For more information visit telethon7.com