On a halloween high

From left, Fabian Fillip-Gautier of the Philanthropic Collective, Cathy Ronalds, Ferny Creek Primary School, Sue Holmes, principal of Sherbrooke Community School, Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Noel Cliff, Debbie Haberfield, Director of Sassafras Preschool, Andrew Fillip-Gautier, Halloween on the Green CEO and Cathy Jones, principal at Sassafras Primary School.

By Derek Schlennstedt

Last Month’s Halloween On The Green event, organised by the Philanthropic Collective at Ferny Creek has exceeded all expectations.
Attendee results and the final tally of money raised was released on Friday 3 November, with the principals of each school coming together to receive their cheques.
The inaugural event raised an incredible $16,984 that was donated to four local schools.
Sassafras Preschool, Sassafras Primary School, Sherbrooke Community School and Ferny Creek Primary School each received $4000 from the $16,984 that was raised.
As a token of The Philanthropic Collective’s gratitude and appreciation, another $500 was given as a donation to the parents who decorated the log cabin/haunted house.
Debbie Haberfield, preschool teacher said they were ‘excited’ to use the money to improve facilities around the school.
“With the funds raised we can benefit by adding to our shade sails, purchasing new balance bikes for the children’s opportunity to ride and extending our vegetable garden to extend our sustainability,” she said.
The money left over will be used by the philanthropic collective to purchase seating and chairs for the students at Sherbrooke Community School to sit on for meals.
Though organiser Andrew Fillip-Gautier said the entire event was an amazing success he remains coy on next year’s event, saying only that: “We look forward to welcoming the community back next year.”