St Cuthbert’s Giving Day

St Cuthbert’s first Giving Day a runaway success – thanks to you!

On 29 June, our very first Giving Day raised over $547,000, in just 24 hours, to support both current families experiencing unexpected hardship, and talented new students whose families require additional financial support to study at St Cuthbert’s.

The Giving Day was racing to success early on with the original $300k target reached by lunchtime. Due to the rapidly increasing total, two bonus targets were set, firstly for $400k, and then for $500k, which was surpassed by the time the volunteer callers were turning in for the evening.

The enthusiasm of the volunteers on the phones was contagious and every milestone was celebrated with bells ringing, dogs barking and whoops and cheers. A big thank you to Vodafone for providing the callers with phones and unlimited calling plans for the day, and to those who brought along baking and snacks to fuel the team.

Volunteer caller Shirley Sequeira said she was participating because “This is going to provide access to a lot of young girls to get a St Cuthbert’s education and I know the value of a St Cuthbert’s education. I have two daughters in the school and they are given every opportunity to excel.”

Students and staff gathered to watch progress on the big screen in the school Atrium, and messages and calls of support came in from around the world. Many donors commented on how much fun it was to watch the ‘totaliser’ go up through the day and receive regular updates on progress on social media and by email.

Several student leaders manned the phones including Deputy Head Girl Helena Haldane who said she was inspired to participate in the calling room because “Going to St Cuthbert’s has changed my life and I want to give other people that opportunity as well.”

The House prizes were hotly contested, with the most raised going to Kelso (over $89,000), and greatest participation to Elgin (127 donors). Durham produced an outstanding video to promote Giving Day on social media and was also presented with a certificate of achievement for its efforts.

The community spirit and House pride was strong in the Junior School with the creation of the ‘haere mai’ welcome mats which were installed in the Junior School reception on the day. Every girl contributed to these mats, and the creativity and attention to detail with patterns and textures was outstanding. These mats represented both the warm welcoming St Cuthbert’s community that awaits new girls who will be joining us on scholarships, and a welcome message to the wider community on Giving Day.

The success of the Giving Day is a real testament to the generosity of the community (931 donors in total!), the energy of the students, the dedication of the volunteers and staff, and the belief of our matched donors. Thank you to all of you who got behind the day and donated, volunteered or shared the message far and wide. You have changed the lives of many girls forever and should be immensely proud of your achievement.

Dedications shared by donors on the Giving Day:

“The more girls who can experience an amazing St Cuth’s education the better!”

“Every girl deserves the self-belief that a St Cuth’s education provides!“

“Much gratitude for the outstanding teaching, support and opportunities.“

“‘By Love Serve.’ Thanks St Cuthbert’s for an amazing education.“

“Lifelong friendships are formed at St Cuthbert’s. This is Gold!“

“St Cuth’s gave our daughter so much. That says it all for me.“