For the second year running, Seddon Community Bank Branch has partnered with Victoria University for it’s bi-annual Charity Challenge.

The Challenge is an optional unit of study in the College of Business, where teams of students are ‘challenged’ to create and execute three fundraising activities in 12 weeks to raise funds for local charities.

The teams are each supported with by a mentor from the Seddon Community Bank Branch, or Director from the the IWCE Board, as well as $250 seed funding to kick start their projects.

Fundraising activities have been wide and varied – movie nights, a tennis tournament, footy competitions, a Battle of the Bands night and fun runs have culminated in approximately $11,000 for charities.

The 12 week program culminates in a presentation where students have the opportunity to recount their experiences and outcome to VU staff, mentors, charity representatives and branch staff.

The list of charities the students can choose to support include –

  • Foodbank
  • Youth Junction Inc
  • Les Twentyman Foundation
  • Western Chances
  • West Welcome Wagon
  • Green Collect
  • Women’s Circus
  • Western Edge Youth Arts
  • Hyde Street Youth Band
  • Yarraville Community Centre

“I chose the Charity Challenge because I felt the need to give back to the community. It gives me profound happiness to think beyond myself and to help those I can. I have had a childhood of struggles. I expected my community to help me in those difficult times in my life. I feel like it’s my time to help the community.” – Sarthay, Charity Challenge participant 2018.

“Every dollar raised translates into $8 in real food while $25 enables Foodbank to feed a family of four for a week.” – Letitia, Foodbank