Parkfield Primary School breaks state record with Colour Explosion Fun Run

Assisted by the Australian Fundraising Specialists, over 600 students tackled various obstacles in the sunshine on both August 5 and 6.

Located in Australind on the school's oval, the event challenged Parkfield Primary students to first run through water (to help the coloured powder stick), then endure obstacles such as hurdling over hay barrels, ducking under pool noodles and running through a maze.

Parkfield Primary School's Parents and Citizens Committee Member Maddy Olsen said the idea to hold the Fun Run came from the desire to give the students an enjoyable day after the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

"Originally our goal was just $10,000 but we ended up raising that in the first week. We were so blown away, so we upped it to $40,000 just before the July school holidays. We didn't think we would make that, let alone almost $60,000," Ms Olsen said.

In partnership with Australian Fundraising, Ms Olden said a portion of the profits would go to the organisation, but the rest all went back into the school.

"Parkfield Primary will use the money towards our little learnings program in pre-kindy and then back towards the kids classrooms. Each block I believe will get some funds and they get to spend it however they're allowed to. It's all going back into student resources."

Prior to the event, students were able to register online via Australian Fundraising's website so that the community could donate directly to them.

Various collection points were also set up around the school.

Each participate received a headband, sunglasses and depending on the amount of money they had raised individually, prizes.

Australian Fundraising General Manager Robert Gaydon said traditional events like fetes and carnivals could be hard to resource, so low-fuss alternatives like the Colour Explosion Fun Run helped schools reach their fundraising goal in a matter of weeks.

"With so many demands on teachers and parents, organising school events can be a real headache. Booking rides and different vendors can be a logistical nightmare and often all that work doesn't pay off," Mr Gaydon said.

"Fundraisers like the Colour Explosion Fun Run make planning simple so that everyone can let their hair down and enjoy the day."

"Last year so many events were cancelled due to Covid which resulted in schools missing out on vital fundraising activities for the year. Parents, teachers and children also missed socialising with their friends so through events like the Colour Explosion Fun Run, they can enjoy a day of messy, care-free fun, while raising funds for their school," Mr Gaydon said.

Ms Olsen said the amount of donations Parkfield Primary School had received was incredible.

"We could not have raised this amount of money without the support of Australian Fundraising, Parkfield Primary School, staff and our brilliant community. We've been able to raise record numbers for major improvements helping students make the most of their education."

To date, the $60,000 raised with the help of Australian Fundraising, makes Parkfield Primary School the first school in Western Australia to raise this amount.

To find out more, visit the Parkfield Primary Parents and Citizens Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ParkfieldPandC/.