Lauren was presented with a Highly Commended Certificate for coordinating fundraising events to support Barnardos Australia, collectively raising over $2,400 over a six year period.

The twelve year old passionately upholds the beliefs of the charity she supports, that ‘all children and young people deserve caring families in which they can grow safely and to their full potential’.

Lauren’s works of compassion, generosity and charity began in 2013, at seven years of age. With the encouragement of her mother, Lauren organised a cupcake and cookie stall for the local neighbourhood, raising an initial $41.50 for Barnardos.

In the years to follow, Lauren has invited neighbours to a café at her house and collaborated with peers to design, paint and sell gift cards. In 2016, Lauren raised $725 through ‘Lauren’s Recycling Service’ and in 2017 she demonstrated outstanding initiative and leadership skills, creating one hundred original string puppets with friends and family. The puppets sold for $1,660, and an additional 55 puppets were given to Barnardos children for Christmas. This year Lauren has started a ‘Calendars for Kids’ Christmas appeal.

Assistant Principal, Anna D’Amico said that Lauren is an inspiration to the Holy Spirit community, and never ceases to amaze those who come into contact with her.

“Lauren possesses the qualities one would hope every member of a school and society would have,” she said. “She is a humble person who cares deeply, works tirelessly and strives bring happiness and love to others. In every encounter she makes people smile and feel special, offering them time and genuine respect. She consistently displays school spirit and lives the values of our school.”

Lauren immerses herself in the life of her school, her family, the Parish and the community and hopes to inspire people to be more and do more.