Back to School Appeal thanks
Students returning to school this year were delighted by the generosity of households, businesses, families and government in the Back to School 2020 Appeal collaboration between GIVIT, the ACT Government and community organisations across the ACT. To donate items to GIVIT’s ongoing Back To School Appeal 2020 and help vulnerable students and children still in need across the ACT, visit GIVIT.org.au/items-needed. For more information on the support available from the ACT Government through the Education Directorate, contact your school or visit the Education Directorate’s website at education.act.gov.au
GIVIT donation of the week: Travel size toiletries
A local charity that assists community members who are experiencing homelessness is in need of personal care items for the men and women they support. The essential items they require are travel size shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, body wash/soap, shaving cream, toothpaste and body lotion. These items, which most of us have access to on a daily basis, will bring a level of dignity and health to those facing challenging times and sleeping rough. Your generous donations of these care items are greatly appreciated. Items can be dropped off or posted to the charity. To donate, visit givit.org.au/items-needed, search ‘toiletries’ and select requests located in ACT. After you pledge the item, you will be contacted by the relevant charity to arrange pick-up or drop-off. GIVIT supports over 350 charities across the Capital Region by matching your quality, pre-loved items with people who need them most.
Healthy food for active kids
Are you looking for extra ideas to help you make a healthy snack box for your child? Perhaps you’d like some tips on slipping more veggies into their meals. Learn, eat, share and chat with an experienced Accredited Practising Dietitian at the free Grab n Go Workshop. The event has been scheduled for Friday 27 March 10.30-11.30am at Gordon Community Centre. For bookings and more information go to trybooking.com/BJCYU or email [email protected]. The workshop is delivered by Nutrition Australia in partnership with Bluearth’s Meet & Move program.
Can Assist Yass Valley
The Cancer Assistance Network branch of Yass Valley has received funding from greenslips.com.au to help pay for cancer patients’ green slip insurance. Cancer patients in need, who rely on their car to get to treatment, are encouraged to seek financial assistance from Can Assist Yass Valley regarding their Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. Can Assist Yass Valley invites cancer patients to contact them by calling 0437 973 027. For more information, visit canassist.org.au
Replace your batteries
Across Australia, 1 April, or the end of daylight saving (5 April), is the day the Australian Fire Services uses to remind people to change their smoke alarm batteries. For the second year in a row, Battery World Australia is offering an added incentive by offering free smoke alarm batteries – the only catch is you have to bring in your old ones for new at any Battery World store across Australia between 1 and 3 April. If you are the designated family member, buying for your extended family, Battery World will swap as many as 10 batteries and recycle the old ones.
MDC goes virtual
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic declaration and the government ban on mass gatherings, the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation has made the decision that all MDC events in 2020 will be held virtually rather than physically. This relates to both major and regional events in up to 100 locations across Australia. Participants are asked to walk or run 4km – anytime, anywhere, in your living room, at the local park or even in your backyard – on or before Mother’s Day 2020. There will be a series of exclusive wellness tips and tutorials, pilates and yoga classes, sponsor prizes and giveaways and a fun kids activity zone. Register at mothersdayclassic.com.au
Apply for City Grants
Do you have a great idea for a project that will make the city centre more welcoming, entertaining, exciting or accessible? The City Renewal Authority is calling for applications for the latest round of City Grants. Tier 1 grants of up to $10,000 are available for activity over the first six months of the next financial year (1 July to 31 December 2020). Tier 2 grants of between $10,001 and $50,000 are available for activity over the entire financial year (1 July 2010 to 30 June 2021). Applications will close 7 April 3pm. More info: cityrenewalCBR.com.au
Financial counselling
Is your small business suffering? Free financial counselling is available. Financial Counselling Australia has launched Australia’s first financial counselling service for small business. The Small Business Bushfire Financial Counselling Support Line (1800 413 828) and website (smallbusinessbushfire.org.au) fills a much-needed gap: financial counselling for small businesses affected by the bushfires and experiencing financial difficulties.
Event cancellations
In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation across Australia, many local events have been cancelled or postponed, including:
- All Eckankar events are cancelled until further notice.
- The ADFAS lecture on 6 April at the National Library has been cancelled.
- Belconnen Day VIEW Club has cancelled all meetings for the next three months. Members will be advised of any future cancellations.
- Pets and Positive Ageing Inc’s Dogs’ Day Afternoonscheduled for 5 April at the Companion Dog Club in Symonston has been postponed.
Cancellations in the Goulburn, NSW region include: the Australian Street Rod Federation 2020 Regional Nationals which was scheduled to be held over Easter, the Goulburn Swap Meet, Stardust Circus, Goulburn Harmony Day Celebrations, Anzac Day Services and Goulburn North Public School Family Fun and Fireworks Night. To stay up to date with event cancellations in Goulburn Mulwaree, the community is encouraged to contact event organisers directly or the Goulburn Visitor Information Centre. Updates on events happening in the region can also be found at: goulburnaustralia.com.au
Crowdfunding research
Medical organisations and hospitals are turning to crowdfunding for COVID-19 research funding. The Royal Melbourne Hospital, one of the joint venture partners of The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, is raising $500,000 through mycause.com.au for vital medical research, clinical trials and equipment to effectively treat people with COVID-19.
Share your community event. Email [email protected] with ‘HYH’ in the subject field. Deadline is 10 days prior to Thursday edition date.
