This winter, during Ms. Statile’s “bouldering” X-block class, a conversation transpired about the Seven Summits—the tallest peaks on each continent. After learning about the tallest peak in Australia, Ms. Statitle knew she would be remiss if she didn’t talk about the current events unfolding throughout the country.

 

“We discussed the scale of the fires and read a few articles and the class immediately erupted with a desire to act,” says Ms. Statile. “The students felt helpless and wanted to do something to make a difference.”


They agreed to raise funds and awareness for the Koala Hospital in New South Wales and Wildlife Warriors, an organization founded in 2002 by Steve and Terry Irwin. The news struck a chord in the hearts of their class and they rallied behind this cause. They were able to raise more than $600.