Playing for Chelsea and Lukasz
Schools
Raising awareness about domestic and family violence is never easy but when Christian Brothers College (CBC) and St Mary's College recently joined forces to host a basketball fundraising event to do exactly that, the result was a touching display of camaraderie.
On Friday June 21, during White Ribbon Week, both school communities united to watch Year 12 students hit the basketball court in honour of old scholars Chelsea Ireland (from St Mary’s) and Lukasz Klosowski (from CBC) who tragically lost their lives to domestic violence in 2020.
Among the crowd of 80 watching the student-led initiative were Lukasz’s mother and Chelsea’s parents.
“Despite it being a really difficult conversation, I think the way they all came together created a really wonderful, positive night,” said Bronwyn Ridley, director of mission at St Mary’s.
“Lukasz and Chelsea’s families commented on feeling really good about being in that space, rather than feeling bad.”
The event was a combination of Lukasz and Chelsea’s passions.
“We decided on a basketball match in relation to Lukasz’s hobbies,” said Year 12 student Luis who is one of CBC’s student leaders.
“It all unfolded from there, with lots of planning from both schools.”
Money raised from ticket sales and fundraising events, including a bake sale, went to Puddle Jumpers Incorporated.
“It is an organisation that Chelsea was really passionate about,” said Year 12 St Mary’s student Katie, who is deputy college captain – justice.
“Chelsea volunteered a lot there and had a real interest in helping those in need, especially kids,” said St Mary’s co-STEM coordinator Chantal.
“Puddle Jumpers is a foundation that does a lot of that.”
Puddle Jumpers CEO and founder Melanie Tate also attended, as did St Mary’s old scholar Bailee Phillips who now works as project manager at Puddle Jumpers.
“The night was a major success in raising over our targeted goal of $500,” said St Mary’s College sports coordinator Maddison. “We look forward to working closer with CBC in the future to raise awareness and promote change within the wider community.”
Students also created a public video about the prevalence of domestic and family violence. This was shown on large screens at the event, as well as shared across social media.
“It’s been great to connect with CBC and have these conversations,” Katie said.
“Even though it’s tough, it’s important to honour Chelsea and Lukasz.”
There are plans for more events in the future.
“We’ve talked about doing a beach cleanup,” said Year 12 student and CBC college captain Jackson.
“It was on Chelsea’s bucket list. We are eager to start organising that next term so we can get the Year 12s or some of the prefects down to one of the beaches and start cleaning up.”
St Mary’s College and CBC aim to continue the conversation, promote healthy relationships and empower individuals to take a stand against domestic and family violence.
The goal, above all, is to raise awareness and create a safe and positive future.
“White Ribbon Week included a Mass and lots of heavy statistics” Jackson said.
“From a male’s perspective, we usually don’t like opening up too much, so having a positive twist during the basketball match, but still spreading awareness was a really good way to end it. Hopefully future years can continue from that.”
Contributions to the dedicated Two Schools, One Cause GoFundMe page continue to grow and donations are gratefully welcomed.
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