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Heart Tree Schools Challenge
Bags for Earth & Science Inc (BESI) is excited to launch its inaugural Heart Tree Secondary School Challenge. Schools engage in 3 challenges designed to inspire young Australians to champion environmental care and raise funds for vital medical research.
Running from Monday, September 1 to Friday, September 19, 2025, the challenge invites selected public and independent secondary schools to take part in a fun, meaningful, and student-led initiative that blends creativity, exercise, and community spirit.
A Challenge with Heart
The Heart Tree Challenge is more than just a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of purpose-driven action. Over three weeks, students will take part in three engaging activities:
Challenge 1: Why I Care
Students share their personal connection to the environment or chronic illness through short stories or poems.
Challenge 2: Bake-a-thon and Bags stalls
Students and Volunteers will sell baked item at a bake stall, along with tote bags with all funds raised going towards the charity.
Challenge 3: Heart Tree Walkathon
Students hit the school oval to walk laps and raise funds for every lap completed.
Participation is voluntary, and students can take part in one, two, or all three challenges. Each school will compete internally through their four house teams, encouraging teamwork and friendly rivalry.
Growing Something Meaningful
As a symbol of their commitment, every participating school will receive four native Australian plants and a Cercis canadensis (Forest Pansy) will be given to the winning house to plant on school grounds. Known for their heart-shaped leaves and stunning autumn colours, these trees will stand as living legacies of student action.
The house that raises the most funds at each school will also receive BESI cotton tote library bags for every participating student in that house — combining environmental impact with a practical reward. All students will also receive a Certificate of Thanks from BESI for their contribution.
Fundraising with Impact
Students will be encouraged to raise gold-coin donations ($1 or $2) through each challenge:
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Creative entries in the Why I Care Challenge
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Dress-up day donations on Fridays
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Lap sponsorships during the Walkathon
Templates, fundraising kits, and parental permission forms will be provided to make participation easy and school-friendly.
Designed for Schools
Importantly, the Heart Tree Challenge is designed to be flexible and non-disruptive. Dress-Up Days and the Walkathon can be held during breaks, while the Why I Care entries can be created at home or integrated into classroom activities related to environmental or health topics.
With this pilot year, BESI hopes to lay the foundation for an annual tradition that empowers students to lead with compassion, creativity, and action, all while supporting a future that’s both healthier and more sustainable.