Living Waters Lutheran College students providing true support for homeless charity The Crew

Understanding exactly how best they could help was just as important as the act of fundraising for a charity, students at Living Waters Lutheran College have learnt.

Year 12 students at the Warnbro independent school raised $400 through a bake sale, which they spent on hygiene and sanitary products for Rockingham homeless charity The Crew.

Alongside hair care and personal hygiene products, the students also donated menstrual products.

Year 12 student Grace Bray said this was an area of huge disadvantage for women with money struggles.

“Our menstrual cycles can be a massive burden when it comes to spending and something that often gets overlooked by more necessary purchases,” she said.

Classmate Jose Stanich agreed, adding: “It’s not a want, it’s a need, and a need that should be accessible as a basic human right but unfortunately that’s not the case.”

The Crew manager Kendall Sowerby LAST NAME TO CONFIRMED said she was touched to be chosen as the class’s charity to support.

“It always feels special when young people want to work with us, it shows how much the community connects with our message and values what we do,” she said.

With their mission being “short-term relief for long-term change”, The Crew provides homeless and struggling individuals with food, clothing and shelter.

Ms Sowerby said it was important to honour and dignify those who came to them for help.

“It’s very humbling and vulnerable to ask for help, so we are extremely thankful for the students’ donations,” she said.

As part of their family and community class, the group of Year 12 girls baked more than 200 cookies, which they sold at their school swimming carnival last month.

“It’s been a really great bonding experience that’s allowed me to grow in my class relationships as well as my community relationships,” Ms Bray said.

Ms Bray and Ms Stanich also said they expect to do more charity work because of the experience.

“It was great to learn about a charity like The Crew that we hadn’t heard of before,” Ms Stanich said.

“It was important for us to raise some awareness and help it grow.”