A combined senior social for Year 11 and 12 students from the Australian Technical College, Chatham High, St Clare’s High, Taree Christian Community School, Taree High and Wingham High raised $1786.50, which has now been passed on to the Samaritans Youth Services.

School leaders from each school attended a special cheque presentation to Samaritans representative Roger Bosmans.

“It’s amazing to see young people work so hard and do such a great job and to give back to their community, and back to young people needing a bit of a hand in life,” he said.

“Thank you to all the schools involved, in particularly as it is such a crucial part of their schooling (the HSC) and they have taken the time to do this.”

The Samaritans runs a youth refuge, as well as outreach services and medium term semi-supported villas.

“This money will go a long way towards helping young people when they’re out of crisis and setting up in independent living.

“It will go towards those little things you need when you are starting out on your own, such as sheets and pots and pans,” said Roger.

He said the Samaritans are a poorly funded service with rising costs as the demands increase with more and more people struggling.

“Making ends meet has become a bigger issue,” he said.

Captain of the Australian Technical College, Lorna Grimley, who was the main coordinator of the social, said they chose the Samaritans Youth Services because young people had raised the money and the Samaritans help young people.

It is the first time the funds from the annual senior social have gone to a charity.

“Usually the money raised is split between the schools but this year we decided to give it to someone outside of the schools,” said Lorna.

About 400 people attended the social, held earlier this month, and the money was raised from the $6 entry fee.

Captain of Wingham High School, Hannah George made a point of thanking Lorna for her hard work.

“She’s the one who did everything. She’s amazing,” she said.