AN ambitious target to make $140,000 in 140 days has been set to raise money for the Standing Tall in Hamilton mentoring program, to continue its successful youth focussed support.

Standing Tall in Hamilton is an award-winning, volunteer-based program, that is heavily reliant on the hard work and dedication of many locals, groups and organisations, with 30 children presently mentored and another 40 referrals on the waiting list.

Standing Tall was first developed and implemented in 2003 by Jeanette Pritchard, who was a teacher at Baimbridge College at the time.

What started out as a one-to-one school-based mentoring program for students at Baimbridge College has grown to a total of 11 participating primary and secondary schools in Hamilton.

The participating schools that have joined Baimbridge College for the program include primary schools; George Street, Gray Street, Hamilton North and St Mary’s; with junior and senior campuses at The Hamilton and Alexandra College and Good Shepherd College.

Standing Tall recruits, screens and trains volunteer mentors from the community, who are then matched with students with whom they commit to a minimum of a one-year relationship.

For just one hour each week, mentors spend time with their subjects, but the relationship is a two-way street, with both participants and mentors benefitting.

Standing Tall program manager, Dee Barrera, said a business supporters’ night is being hosted this Thursday, May 12, at the Hamilton Club between 5.15-6.30pm.

“This will be an opportunity to thank our business partners and launch the fund-raising program,” she said.

“They will hear from new staff, myself, and coordinator, Melonie Fitzpatrick about how we plan to continue the success of the program and what other opportunities are coming up in the future.

“Potential new recruits will also get to hear from other volunteers on how the program works.

“It is also the launch of our 140-day campaign to raise $140,000.

“Whilst it is an ambitious target, broken down it is only $2000 each from 70 local businesses, which is possible.

“Local mentors get so much out of participating in the program – they love it just as much as the students.”

Standing Tall mentor, Darrell Agnew, loves participating in the program and contributing to a young person’s development through a unique relationship.

“It can be life changing,” he said.

“But we, as mentors, also get a lot out of it.

“If the funding campaign is successful, it could make a massive impact on the lives of many more young people in Hamilton.”

For more information on the business supporter’s night, visit standingtallinhamilton.com.au or the Standing Tall in Hamilton Facebook page.