AFTER losing his teenage son to a one-punch attack by a gate-crasher at a party 12 years ago, Adelaide’s Neil Davis visited the region recently to educate young people on the impacts of bullying and violence.
Mr Davis – founder of the Sammy D Foundation in honour of his late son, Sam – arrived in the region on Monday, June 22, and visited eight schools during his week-long stay.
“The foundation has been doing lots of rural trips lately because it’s just as important for country kids to hear this message as it is for city kids,” Mr Davis said.
“Because of the coronavirus, it was hard to get into some schools, but I’m glad I managed to give guidance to at least eight schools here.
“I will try to come back again next term and visit some of the schools I missed.”
Mr Davis said each school was appreciative of the visit.
“The response was the same at every school and staff and students showed their gratitude,” he said.
“Some teachers told me they had never seen the kids be so quiet for so long and that made me smile because I knew I got the message across.
“There were a few tears and it was hard to get some questions out of the kids because they seemed speechless.”
Mr Davis said the foundation will continue to visit schools and educate children because he and his wife hope families never experience what they have.
“If we can stop this from happening to another family, then we’ve done our job,” he said.
“It makes it easier for us to get up in the morning, put one foot in front of the other and get on with our day.
“Some days are harder than others but we know we are making a difference so because of that, we will continue to do what we do.”
Glossop High School was the fifth stop on Mr Davis’ journey and middle campus wellbeing leader Vicki Constas described the talk as “amazing”.
“I was aware of the foundation and all the amazing things they did so when I heard Neil was coming to the Riverland, I had to book him in,” Mrs Constas said.
“By coincidence, his visit tied in with wellbeing week, so it was perfect timing for him to be here.
“Unfortunately, we could only book him in for three sessions – our year 8 students missed out – but next time he comes down, I will definitely try and book him in again.”
Mrs Constas said the talk had a “huge impact” on the students.
“My year 10 homegroup told me the day after Neil’s visit that they were emotional and held back tears,” she said.
“Neil showed us the importance of friendship, looking out for others and the fact that one punch could be so dangerous.”