Sick country kids will have something to smile about, thanks to UNE Catholic residential college St Albert’s fundraising work throughout the year. 

The college raised $40,000 for Little Windmills: The Country Kids Charity, which aims to give sick or seriously injured kids, or who have special needs, from remote, rural, and regional Australia a brighter future.

St Albert’s Charity Committee president Laura Penrose presented the cheque to James Holbeck, Little Windmills ambassador and former Wallaby, at their inaugural Charity Long Lunch on Sunday, October 23.

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Holbeck, a one-time Armidale local, said: “We are blown away by the generosity of the students, the Charity Committee, and the St Albert’s community.

“It’s incredible what these young people have achieved in under a year. Their social conscience and initiative is to be applauded. We are incredibly grateful for their support.”

All of the $40,000 donation will be directed towards the children Little Windmills supports.

Miss Penrose, who drove the fundraising efforts, praised her committee and college for their generosity in what is only their third year raising funds for charity.

“We are really proud to have exceeded our own fundraising expectations for Little Windmills," she said.

“Little Windmills was a great fit for us this year. The charity resonated with us, given St Albert’s has a large number of students with country backgrounds.”

Mr Holbeck gave an inspiring speech at the long lunch, drawing on his experience playing for the Wallabies.

St Albert’s Charity Committee conducted a colour run, golf day, charity auctions, and donation tins to help them reach the $40,000 sum.

They now reset their fundraising goals and turn their sights to 2019.