• School partners with Merri-bek

Students and their support teacher, Loreena Kifayat, from the Australian International Academy, recently presented Captain Melanie Cop (third from right) with a trolley load of food and essential items for people experiencing homelessness.

In recognition of Homelessness Week and to help support those in need, the Student Representative Council (SRC) from The Australian International Academy Junior School in Melbourne joined with the Merri-bek Salvos Community Connect program to assist in stocking their pantry.

The students loved being involved and have plans for future projects later in the year.

Each day for a week, the SRC members would visit the classes and collect donations. Their teacher, Loreena Kifayat, was a huge support.

The students delivered a large trolley of food, smiles and hugs, as well as promises of their next project in the months to come.

“This gave them such a sense of purpose, and they felt pleased that they were helping people that were struggling,” said Captain Melanie Cop, Merri-Bek Salvos Recovery Church@Merri-bek Corps Officer.