No child left behind: that’s the motto of The Formal Project. And this year, Sam Oakes and her band of volunteers, exceeded all expectations.
The previous year was a solid start to The Formal project, which has been based at premises provided by Minto Mall for the past 12 months.
But 2024 was a juggernaut, with almost 10,000 students helped across Australia.
“The most amazing year filled with the most amazing people – beyond proud,’’ posted Sam Oakes on The Formal Project’s social media platform.
“This has been a year of growth in ways we could only ever have imagined.
“As a team we have put in 63,500 hours of volunteer service to ensure No Child Left Behind, Australia wide,’’ Ms Oakes wrote.
Unfortunately, there have been no triumphant celebrations, because the current premises will no longer be available to The Formal Project.
So Ms Oakes and her team have turned their attention to finding a new home, hopefully somewhere here in Campbelltown.
“Minto Mall has been our home for the last 12 months. Throughout this time, we have been provided with 232sqm of space completely free,’’ Ms Oakes posted.
“We have not paid a single cent in rent or overheads ensuring every cent we have worked tirelessly to raise has directly supported students Australia wide.
“Without the generosity of the Minto Mall management and shareholders we simply would not have reached as many students as we have.
“We extend a sincere heartfelt thank you to Minto Mall,’’ she said.
At last week’s meeting, Campbelltown councillor Josh Cotter praised The Formal Project for their incredible success, but also alerted council to their need of a new home next year.
Local MPs Anoualck Chanthivong and Dr Mike Freelander have also gone public with their support.
“I have made representations to Campbelltown Council, urging them to assist where they can, to ensure this fantastic, local charity can continue the amazing work they do,’’ Dr Freelander said.
If you can help, contact The Formal Project via phone on 0405 663 002 or email to theformalproject1@gmail.com
