Twenty Year 11 students from St Leo’s Catholic College in Wahroonga created the Lion Heart Ministry to help homeless teenagers of Sydney.
Last year, the then Year 10 Commerce students set up the Lion Heart Ministry as a business to help those less fortunate. The first project was to create thermal kits containing a blanket, beanie and gloves.
Students volunteered their time outside school hours to negotiate with suppliers, raise funds and market the business.
Under the guidance of Mr Nathan Smith, the HSIE teacher, students learnt what it takes to run a small business – and help others at the same time.
“From a teaching and learning perspective, the aim was to introduce students to three of the main functions of business – operations, marketing, and finance – in order for them to gain an understanding of what it is like to operate a real life business,” said Mr Smith.
Students raised money to finance the project through donations from businesses and the general public, raising close to $3,000.
“Students gained knowledge and experience on how a business operates, and also put their faith into action to assist those who are in need,” said Mr Smith.
The thermal kits will be distributed in autumn to the homeless with the students are now brainstorming their next project.
Should anyone wish to donate to the cause, they can visit the Lion Heart Ministry on Facebook or Twitter @LionHMinistry.