We are excited to invite our school community to participate in this year’s Socktober 2025—an initiative by Catholic Mission during the Church’s World Mission Month (October) that links our faith, our global conscience, and a bit of fun!

What is Socktober?

Socktober is a school-based campaign that uses the universal game of soccer (or “football”!) to raise awareness and funds in support of children and communities around the world. Through “kicking goals for good”, students engage their heads (learning), hearts (compassion) and hands (action).

Why we are supporting it in 2025

This year’s campaign focuses on the people of the Diocese of Mpika in Zambia, Africa, where communities are facing drought, food insecurity and limited access to educational and vocational opportunities. One of the key projects is the establishment of a maize-mill that will help families maintain sustainable food sources.

How your child will be involved

• Students will learn about global mission and how our faith calls us to stand with those in need.
• They’ll take part in fun activities—like making “sockballs” and soccer challenges—symbolising the resilience of children in mission communities.
• Families can support by a monetary donation eg gold coin as well as making online donations at https://www.socktober.org.au/fundraisers/StJosephsSchoolMerewether

• Funds raised support Catholic Mission projects in Zambia, helping students put their faith into action.
  • $30 can help provide fertilizer to grow healthy, nutrient-rich crops.
  • $50 can help provide enough maize seed to farm 5 acres.
  • $100 can help purchase farm management training for a local.
  • $200 can contribute towards Maize storage equipment.

Why it matters

By participating in Socktober, our students are:

• Growing in their awareness of global solidarity and social justice.
• Connecting their love of sport and play with compassion and service.
• Living out the Gospel by reaching out to children and families who have fewer resources, and thus giving thanks for the many blessings they enjoy.
• Building a mission mindset: understanding that faith calls us not only to belief but to action.

How you can support from home

• Discuss with your child what the campaign is about and help them set their own fundraising or awareness goal.
• Encourage and celebrate their participation—whether they’re kicking goals, designing sockballs, or sharing what they’ve learned.
• Find out how to make a sockball here - How to Make a Sockball
• Support their sponsorship drive (if they take one on) by donating ourselves or helping them reach out to friends/family.
• Stay engaged: ask them to show you the mission resources, talk about what they discovered about Zambia, and pray for the children and families we are supporting.

We hope that through Socktober, our students will experience the joy of generous giving, learn that they can make a difference, and carry forward that spirit of mission beyond October. Thank you for your partnership in this meaningful initiative.

Leanne Skinner
Religious Education Coordinator