Wariald’s Carinda House has received funding to assist with their community fundraising efforts, thanks to a recently awarded grant from ANZ Seeds of Renewal Program. They are among just seven recipients in New South Wales.
A delighted trio of Carinda volunteers met recently to discuss the announcement and say the funding will enable them to tick off their wish list for the centre which was established in the late 1970s.
Long time volunteer and vice president Lanna Hockley says “the grant is a major help and will ease the workload for our volunteers”.
The recently awarded grant funds will be used to purchase stackable chairs, tables and shade tents for Carinda’s fundraising events. This cash injection will also enable Lanna and team to boost security, with CCTV cameras installed on the exterior of the building.
“It provides us with more energy to focus on hosting our events rather than having to borrow tables and chairs every time we have something on”, Mrs Hockley said.
Secretary Marilyn Stubbins says the CCTV cameras were installed as soon as the grant was received and have already had a positive impact in deterring antisocial behaviour in the grounds of Carinda House. The cameras will also ensure Carinda can capture footage of any incidents and forward to local police.
Carinda House provides a lively calendar of fundraising events including Mother’s Day, Pink Ribbon and Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and also operates a non-profit shop selling locally made handmade gifts and local produce. Funds raised at the centre have been donated to charities such as Smiling Faces Helping Hands, Naroo Homes for the Aged and BlazeAid.
Following a well earned Christmas break, the Carinda House volunteers will now set their sights on 2024 fundraising events and hosting an official celebration of the project with representatives from the grant body and the local community.
Image: Christy Galbrith (Ladybug Projects) with Carinda’s Marilyn Stubbins, Lanna Hockley and Carmel Stevenson
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