As part of their ongoing studies in the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) a group of Federation Training students recently held a garage sale that raised more than $400 for Youth Insearch.

Youth Insearch is a program dedicated to supporting young people, assisting them to reach their full potential and achieve their personal and career goals.

Teacher, Brad Downs, and program manager, Terrie Crow, were both thrilled with the effort from the students, particularly those who volunteered to assist with the garage sale very early on a Saturday morning.

Youth Insearch Bairnsdale support worker, Debbie Brient, thanked the young people, saying it was “absolutely awesome”.

“It was great that they put themselves out there,” Debbie said.

“Yes, it goes towards their studies, but they also worked on it in their own time, working for other youth in the area.

“I think that says a lot for their character. And to get that much after just a few hours, because the garage sale was cut short when the weather turned, was just amazing. We’re so very grateful.

“The kids went out to local businesses and asked them if they had anything they were able to donate to the sale to raise more for Youth Insearch and we were blown away by the support they were able to give.”

The funds raised by the group were presented to Debbie at an end of term activities day at Bairnsdale’s Adventure Fun Park, where Brad says owners, Glenn and Laurel Calvert, have been very supportive of the program.

PICTURED: Federation Training VCAL teacher, Brad Downs (centre), and the VCAL students hand over more than $400 to Youth Insearch Bairnsdale support worker, Debbie Brient, at an end-of-term day at Adventure Fun Park. The money was raised at a recent garage sale organised and promoted by the students.