Organiser Anne Johnston got her peers at the Brisbane St campus, and even a few of the Calrossy boys, involved in a fundraising day yesterday for the Buy A Bale charity. 

Students, dressed in their best ag gear for a gold-coin donation, could buy an “angel” pin – made by Anne – for a few dollars, and then had the chance to make a bid at a spirited auction in the school hall.

A range of donated items were up for grabs, including cakes, gift baskets and iPhone cases, with the chance to make an announcement over the school’s public address system selling for $65. A bulk pack of instant noodles even went for $15. 

The teachers got in on the act, too, with dance teacher Miss Taylor putting her much-admired, multi-coloured ASICS up for the highest bidder to wear for a day.

The auction raised almost $600, with the overall total expected to be close to $2000.

Anne said she came up with the idea to show the school’s support for the region’s farmers.

“A lot of people don’t realise how bad it is out there and how hard it can get,” she said.

“Many Calrossy families come from a rural background and we want to help them through this difficult time.” 

All funds will go to Buy A Bale, which delivers hay and other essential items to those on the land in need.