IT was a staple diet of rice and more rice throughout Lent for more than 50 students and staff from Christ the King School at Deception Bay.
However, it’s all been worthwhile. Their Lenten efforts raised more than $2000 for the less privileged in Asia and Africa.
Starting on Ash Wednesday and finishing the day before the school’s cross country on April 3, the students and staff ate only rice, fruit and vegetables throughout the school day.
Rice cookers at Christ the King were constantly on the boil to feed participants.
Many in the community also got behind the project, sponsoring those involved.
Assistant principal for religious education John O’Brien said more than 50 students out of 68 had taken part in the event and 41 had finished.
He said it had been a great way to bring the community together as well as raising money for a worthy cause.
“In the past we did one rice day a year to raise awareness of the less privileged in other countries,” Mr O’Brien said.
“However, I’d always felt it was a bit of a gimmick – the children did not really have a chance to think how lucky we are in Australia.
“This year I suggested we go for a bigger challenge and the students agreed.
“It also fitted in well with the term project Make Poverty History.”
Mr O’Brien said there was a sense of relief at school now the Lenten diet was over.
“Mind you we hardly heard one complaint from the kids,” he said.
“The staff was another matter. All of us found it pretty hard.
“Actually I’m proud of everyone – even myself – for getting through.”
Mr O’Brien was not totally certain if the event would run for the same period next year.
“At this point no one wants to think that far ahead,” he said.
“Let’s just say we’ve all seen enough of rice for the moment.”
The money raised will be equally shared between Caritas and Catholic Mission Australia.
