The WA Deaf Society joined with Wesley College Junior School Students to hold a HelpingHands day last week.

The successful fundraiser involved about 20 Wesley Out of School Hours (WOOSH) children decorating white cotton gloves for use by the Australian deaf community and to celebrate the sign language Auslan.

Wesley College WOOSH coordinator Jennifer Lees said the children produced some excellent designs - while also raising valuable funds for the society and learning the importance of Auslan.

WA Deaf Society general manager Geoff Manton said many Australian students were unaware that deaf people used Auslan to communicate and that English was their second language.

“Students also do not know that Auslan has been a recognised language other than English since 1987,” Mr Manton said.

HelpingHands inspired participants to express their creative talent, manage projects in a team building environment and gain greater awareness of deaf and hearing impaired people in the community.

For more information on HelpingHands, and for the details of how to get involved, contact the WA Deaf Society on 9441 2698.