Mount View High School is going above and beyond with their commitment to Ivy Tregenza, the eight-year-old girl that has stolen the heart of Cessnock.
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A new campaign named “400 for Ivy” will be running throughout the month of August, calling for blood donors to make their personal pledge in the name of Ivy, who has an immune deficiency disorder that requires regular blood transfusions.
A part of Ivy’s weekly treatments is medication made from plasma, with blood donations playing a vital role in her quality of life.
The Red Cross has collaborated with Mount View High School to kick-start this initiative, with the aim of reaching 400 donations.
Ivy’s mum Tiffany Tregenza has been a driving force in raising awareness of the importance of blood donations as well as initiating important movements for the John Hunter Hospital such as the Beads For Bravery program, which gives ill children something tangible to represent their bravery during treatments.
“One of the best things about 400 for Ivy is how the locals have gathered around the high school and the kids to support the blood drive,” she said.
“I hope we smash through that number and show everyone what a strong community can do.”
The school’s fifth annual Team Ivy Day fundraiser will be held on Friday, August 1 and they have set the goal of raising more than last year’s $6600.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service Donormobile will visit the school on Friday and will be at the Cessnock City Centre from Monday to Friday next week.
As always, their out-of-uniform day will have students dressing up as fairies and superheroes to help raise funds for Ivy’s cause, along with a fashion parade in which Ivy is the costume judge.
Funds will also be raised with raffles, a senior students versus staff soccer match and a mini fete with all of the proceeds going towards various departments of the John Hunter Children’s Hospital that treat Ivy.
Over the last four years, students at Mount View High School have raised approximately $20,000 for the hospital.
Mount View High School teacher and Team Ivy Day event coordinator Hannah Baum said the school captains in particular this year have been incredible in their support of organising the event.
“Over the years we have created a tradition [at Mount View High School] of, as a school community, getting involved and supporting members in the community,” she said.
One of the most important things that the school wants to push this year is for the wider community to put their blood donation in Ivy’s name during August, counting towards her 400 for Ivy campaign.