The mental health, homelessness and suicide prevention organisation was given a starring role by the senior students at three Orange high schools this week after a year of fundraising.

Under the Orange Secondary School Challenge for Charity Awareness (OSSCCA), over $3500 has been raised by the students for Neami, not a bad effort considering COVID-19 placed huge restrictions on fundraising activities.

READ MORE: Orange councillor Scott Munro defends missing code of conduct course

Orange High School's student representative council guide, teacher Mel Hope explained OSSCCA was the brainchild of last year's leadership team at OHS.

"The prefects from last year brought it in, it was their legacy, that we pick a charity each year to raise money for," Ms Hope said.

Last year's challenge between OHS, James Sheahan, Christian School and Kinross Wolaroi donated $5000 to Housing Plus. KWS was unable to be involved this year through Covid restrictions on its boarders but the other three schools rallied in its absence, and all four will be back on board for next year's fundraising.

READ MORE: Seven new COVID-19 cases identified across Western NSW LHD, Assumption School in Bathurst closed

"They've been amazing, I'm really proud of the kids, they've done a great job," Ms Hope said. Orange High led the challenge this year, selling around 440 pies and supplementing that with charity chocolate sales.

Ms Hope said Neami was chosen by the students after they lost friends to suicide during the year.

READ MORE: TAFE NSW Orange Beauty Services students create Halloween makeup looks

"It's shows the kids do care about their community."

The donation to Neami was accepted by the Orange branch's Casey Naden and Sharon Taylor. Neami has supported more than 9000 Australians at year since its inception 30 years ago.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: