Macleans College was a sea of red on Tuesday as Rutherford House students held their annual Red Nose Day fundraiser for Cure Kids.
Students spent more than a term organising the event which this year featured a sausage sizzle, donut food truck, a variety of food stalls and a few special celebrity faces.
Star of The Bachelor Zac Franich, former TV Presenter Brendon Pongia and former Silver Fern Storm Purvis mingled with students as they took part in the lunchtime action.
Pongia, who works as a Business Development Manager for Cure Kids, spoke highly of the school’s commitment to fundraising which he said “exceeds expectations.”
“This school is amazing – a shining example of what a high school should be.”
He said giving back to the community is a huge value of his and says “knowing you’re making a difference is amazing.”
Purvis agreed, saying she jumped at the chance to work with Cure Kids.
“As an athlete, I think it’s important to give back – you’ve got a voice that’s heard by many.”
Franich proved himself a dab had with the sausage sizzle stall when he wasn’t busy taking photos with legions of teenage fans.
He says he became involved with Cure Kids through a family he met through Surf Lifesaving whose son suffers from a rare condition.
Franich said he was “really impressed” with the initiative and enthusiasm of the students to fundraise for charity.
“It’s really impressive,” he said.
When Rutherford Deputy House Leader Andy Meldrum wasn’t busy impressing the crowd with his fire throwing skills, he was overseeing the event and beaming with praise of his students.
He says the emphasis on fundraising is massively important and enjoys seeing the kids get behind such a great cause.
Last year, Rutherford House raised $20,000 in total for Cure Kids and this year hopes to match that, if not increase.
