Students from The University of Western Australia will hit the streets of Perth this week as PROSH marks its 95th year, continuing one of the state’s most enduring student-led charity traditions.
What began in 1931 as a cheeky student newspaper has grown into a major one-day fundraising event that has raised more than $2 million for Western Australian charities.
Each year, students write, design and sell the satirical PROSH newspaper, with all proceeds going to local not-for-profit organisations. In the lead-up to the event, students take part in quizzes, writers’ nights and the annual PROSHlympics to prepare the paper and build fundraising teams.
This year’s funds will support On My Feet, a program helping people at risk of or experiencing homelessness to achieve self-sufficiency through fitness and community support, and the Perth Homeless Support Group, which provides food, outreach and transitional housing services across the city.
The PROSH committee has already connected with both charities, attending a group strength training session hosted by On My Feet and planning to volunteer with the Perth Homeless Support Group after the event.
UWA Student Guild President Oliver Barrett said PROSH continues to unite generations of students and alumni through a shared commitment to giving back.
“From first-year students getting involved for the first time to alumni eagerly buying their newspaper, PROSH is a tradition built by the people who care about it,” he said. “Over the years, it has become one of UWA’s most beloved and enduring traditions.”
This year’s theme, PROSHtunes, invites participants to dress as their favourite music genres, eras or artists while collecting donations.
On Wednesday 18 March, students will gather on campus from 5am before spreading out across Perth, Northbridge, Subiaco, Leederville, Mount Lawley, Claremont, Nedlands, Victoria Park, Fremantle, South Perth, Cottesloe and Applecross to sell copies of PROSH between 7am and 10am.
Copies can be purchased with cash or EFTPOS on the day, with digital editions available online after the event. More information about fundraising locations, charities and donations can be found on the PROSH website.
