But a recent project shows this group is concerned with wider issues as they branch into the animal world.

During term one the students raised money to have possum boxes made.

“Raising the money doesn’t really mean anything to the kids; they prefer to have something to show for it,” group leader Carol Andrews said.

After they received the boxes the students got out their painting clothes and made the boxes into a home for the animals.

“Kids are the future and we are teaching them to care through a hands-on way of doing things,” Mrs Andrews said.

“The Red Cross teaches them to help each other and it is a voluntary thing,” Mrs Andrews said.

The boxes will now be distributed via the Great Lakes Wildlife Rescue Service who will set them up in parks and backyards.

Students have also included a note in each of the boxes.

The note asks:

“When you receive this box please let us know where it ended up, ring Tea Gardens School and Mrs Andrews.”

An information leaflet about wildlife rescue in the area was also included.

This term the students will focus on raising funds to stock pencil cases for students at schools in drought stricken areas.

Later in the year they will concentrate on buying trees for the local koala population.