Haileybury Rendall School students sing out to raise funds for sick children, Starlight Foundation

Young musicians have proven anyone can change the world after turning their musical talents into $704 for hospitalised children in the Territory's first student-led Sing Out event. Read the details.

Student musicians at Haileybury Rendall School have raised $704 for sick children through their inaugural Sing Out event, with organisers planning to make it an annual tradition. Picture: Supplied

Student musicians at Haileybury Rendall School have raised $704 for sick children through their inaugural Sing Out Fundraising Event, with organisers planning to make it an annual tradition.

Event operational manager and recent graduate Maya Niscioli said Saturday’s event gave the musicians at Haileybury Rendall School a chance to show off their talent while raising awareness and funds for a worthwhile cause.

“This year was the first time we have run our Sing Out Fundraising event, though we hope to make this an annual tradition to continue in the future,” she said.

“The Starlight Foundation has already contacted us to continue to improve the event next year, hoping to provide us with the option to accept cashless donations to make supporting our cause more accessible to a modern audience going forward.

This was the inaugural Sing Out event. Picture: Supplied

She said the Starlight Foundation was “very dear” to those involved.

“Both myself, and a handful of the other students who participated in the event have experienced the support of the Starlight Foundation’s volunteers when we ourselves were hospitalised for various reasons, and it made a world of difference improving our stays,” she said.

“Moreover, this moment was really special to our musicians because it proved that anybody- regardless of status, age, race or gender- can use their skills to help make the world a nicer place.”

Maya said raising funds was only part of their goal. Picture: Supplied

While the group raised $704 through the event, Maya said raising funds was only part of their goal.

“We hoped simply to inspire kindness in our community,” she said.

“We didn’t want our fundraising efforts to be reduced to a goal to hit, because every single donation, regardless of quantity, counts as an act of generosity and selflessness.

“We understand that wealth isn’t equal, but kindness is, so we hope audiences can take away a new-found awareness of the Starlight Foundation and their cause, and hopefully be inspired to get involved any way they can in the future.”

Organisers plan to make the event an annual tradition. Picture: Supplied

As for key takeaways from the event, Maya said she hoped schools could feel inspired to “find causes that their students are passionate about and take action to support them”.

“We especially hope that this event reminds schools to appreciate their arts programs in a time when more academic subjects like maths or science continue to be increasingly valued over the arts,” she said.

Student musicians at Haileybury Rendall School have raised $704 for sick children through their inaugural Sing Out event. Picture: Supplied

While the event has already passed, Maya encouraged everyone to get involved with the Starlight Foundation.

“Everybody should get involved because it fosters connection within the community, supports the arts and helps sick children,” she said.

“If you want to get involved with the Starlight Foundation, your donations are always appreciated.

“Alternatively … the Royal Darwin Hospital accepts volunteers to help out in their Starlight Express Room within the hospital to create a fun and distracting environment for patients within the pediatric units.”

Originally published as Haileybury Rendall School students sing out to raise funds for sick children, Starlight Foundation