Community
12 March, 2026
Fundraising target smashed
MORTLAKE College students have hosted one of the most successful fundraising events in the school’s history.
The school hosted a Relay for Life event last Friday which raised $14,351.05.
As Western District Newspapers reported in early February, Mortlake College students were leading the school’s Relay for Life efforts.
Among the school leaders behind the concept was Isabella Pickford, who watched her mother battle cancer when she was a toddler.
She said she was in awe of what the school community had achieved as the event grew from a small idea into one of the biggest fundraisers in school history.
“I have no words,” Isabella said.
“I’m absolutely stunned by the support the students have given us.
“Everyone wants to help, so the volunteers are off the charts.
“It’s just fantastic the amount of support and warmth we’ve got from the community.”
The event was held on Friday morning after weeks of raising the goal as donations and support came flooding in from students, families and local businesses.
It reached a point where the students had lifted their goal from an ambitious $5000 to an incredible $10,000 fundraising target – which had already been surpassed the morning of the event.
“We thought $5000 would be pushing it,” Isabella said.
“No school fundraiser we’ve had has surpassed $2000, so when we hit $5000, that was incredible.
“Then we thought we would push it to $10,000.
“The thought that a small community like ours could reach $10,000 is just amazing.
“It’s crazy to think so many people want to help us and help fight cancer – it’s such a big topic and I’m really glad we could broach that subject.”
Year 12 student Kara Ledgard said the event had united students behind a powerful message.
“I think it’s so crazy that everyone has really got into it and is so happy to come along, dress up and do things to help raise money like purchasing the merch provided by Cancer Council,” she said.
“It’s so crazy to see everyone so dressed up.”
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