At least 15 district schools from the Student Leaders Congress have aligned their vision with the charity by organising free dress fund-raisers on Friday.

Leila Rose Foundation liaison Jacinta Roache said it was a huge bonus to have support from the student congress at the event.  

“It gets the message out to such a broad demographic and group in the local area,” she said. “We feel really privileged to have the schools on board. 

“It’s good that they can turn a serious issue into a fun and enjoyable day.

“It’s really poignant because as much as it’s hard-hitting, it’s something really positive that children can do for other kids who may need a bit more help and support than they do.”

Schools confirmed for the pink-themed free dress day are Brauer, Mortlake and Warrnambool colleges, Woolsthorpe, Koroit & District, Warrnambool East, St John’s Dennington, Grassmere, Warrnambool, Panmure, Cudgee, Our Lady Help of Christians, Woodford, Allansford and Merrivale primary schools.

Money raised from each school will form a combined total toward the Leila Rose Foundation’s fund-raising efforts this weekend. The football game at Warrnambool’s Friendly Societies’ Park will include Mick Malthouse and Warrnambool’s triple Hawthorn premiership player Jordan Lewis. Dozens of locals will also lace up their boots for the good cause.

Each school in the Student Leaders Congress presented their major community fund-raising projects on July 22 at the Lighthouse Theatre.