For Sydney Girls High School student Veronica Tan, a late-night idea turned into a successful fundraiser for sick kids.

Veronica began her volunteering and youth advocacy journey in 2025 after volunteering at events including City2Surf and the Sydney Marathon. Inspired by the people she met and the strong sense of community at these events, she wanted to find a way to support a cause close to her heart.

“I’ve always been passionate about contributing to meaningful causes, and SCHF’s work really resonated with me,” Veronica says.

Her fundraiser began with what she describes as a “random midnight thought” while trying to fall asleep. The next day, she reached out to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) and began putting her idea into action.

Veronica promoted SCHF fundraising pins through her school community, encouraging students to support her fundraiser. Within a week, she had raised an impressive amount, with her initiative also reaching people through social media who chose to donate online.

“I’m really proud of how much I was able to raise within a week, and the overwhelming support I received in both my school community and through social media,” she says.

For Veronica, the experience reinforced that every contribution can make a difference.

“It has made me realise that every cent raised does count in making a change, and that everyone can make a difference.”

Her advice to other young people who want to start fundraising: go for it.

“If you have a vision for something, you can and always will achieve it. Use your creativity and pour passion into every initiative.”

For Veronica, this is just the beginning. She plans to continue her volunteering and advocacy journey and hopes to inspire other young people to turn their own ideas into action.