It has not escaped the attention of our health professionals or children that there are many vulnerable people who have been isolated and unable to access everyday items during COVID-19.

The Student Representative Council at Eleebana Public School wanted to do something during this time to give back to their community, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.

From this, a collaboration with ATUNE Health Centres ensued and 30 Eleebana students, from years two to six, packed $10,000 worth of essential food and personal items at the end of June.

Year six student, Matilda, from Eleebana said that providing these items would help the more vulnerable citizens to remain happier and healthier.

“It was important for us to support the vulnerable and elderly people who are at higher risk of getting sick to make sure they have essential items to keep them healthy and happy,” she said.

Eleebana Public School Principal, Lucinda Farrell, said that the school is known for developing community projects and always encourages their students to look beyond the school fence.

“I am really proud of this project because it came from our students and was an opportunity for them to be part of an initiative from start to finish,” Lucinda said.

“At our last meeting it was brought up that they wanted to do something to help people who had been affected by COVID-19 and fortuitously we were able to work with our community to provide goods for vulnerable people in our area.”

Each care package includes a selection of essentials including health supplements, food items, cleaning goods and some items to help pass the time, such as magazines.

Each care package also came with a personalised card designed by Eleebana Public School students.

This was made possible due to the generosity and support of organisations including Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, Metagenics, Oborne, Hunter Coastal Lifestyle Magazine, Broken and Restored, Buzzy Bee garden, Sanitarium, Eleebana Public and Rapha massage with Mary.

ATUNE CEO, Simon Ashley, thanked the students, their families, and the teachers of Eleebana Public School for their support and work.

“The project was initially the idea of two of our staff who during the COVID-19 shutdown wanted to put their skills and time to use and with the support of our team managed to get products together,” Simon said.

“The addition of a local school to the project is tremendous and really exemplifies the amazing things we can do when we work together.”

IMAGE | Students of Eleebana Public School with teachers and members of ATUNE Health Centre.