Fred Hollows Humanity Award
The Fred Hollows Foundation is calling for nominations for the Fred Hollows Humanity Award, which recognises Year 6 students who demonstrate compassion, integrity and kindness towards others. Parents, teachers, principals and community members around the country can nominate a child in Year 6 who has made a difference online at hollows.org/fredhollowshumanityaward before 11.59pm, Friday 11 September. One Junior Ambassador from each state and territory will be selected. The Junior Ambassador from the ACT will be able to extend their humanity by allocating $5,000, donated by the award’s charity partner Specsavers, to one of The Foundation’s programs to end avoidable blindness.
GIVIT donation of the week: Knitting yarn and fabric
Recipient: A community volunteer group that creates comfort care items for long-term hospital patients and their families for a local hospital. The volunteers provide knitted and crocheted rugs, beanies and other handmade items helping patients and their families to keep warm and brighten their stay especially during the winter months. Donations of fabric/material and wool/yarn (any ply, any colour) are required to create items like colourful hospital gowns for patients and quilted rugs for their family members. Large pieces of fabric like new or near new doona covers in any bright colours or quilting material would be gratefully accepted. Delivery options: Donations can be picked up, posted or dropped off to the organisation. To donate, visit givit.org.au/donate-items, search “Yarn” to view requests located in ACT. After you pledge the item, you will be contacted by the relevant organisation to arrange pick-up, post or drop-off. GIVIT supports more than 350 charities and community groups across the Capital Region by matching your items with people who need them most.
Canberra Seniors Centre re-opens
Over 50 and looking to explore options to keep your mind and body active? Come along and enjoy the many and varied activities on offer at the Canberra Seniors Centre. Social distancing and all government requirements are being strictly observed but that won’t lessen everyone’s enjoyment. The Centre is looking forward to greeting old friends and welcoming newcomers. Everyone is welcome; bookings are required. More info: call Pat on 6248 9509 or visit canberraseniors.org
Lord’s Taverners ACT Scholarships
Another group of talented local young athletes has received a boost to their sporting careers as recipients of Lord’s Taverners ACT Scholarships for 2020. it’s the 13th time that these annual scholarships, which are for local young athletes with a disability, have been awarded and recipients received between $300 and $1,000 each to help them lift their already-impressive performances in their chosen sports. The funds will help these local rising stars to purchase new equipment and travel to elite competitions. The recipients of Lord’s Taverners ACT Scholarships in 2020 are: Louwanna Sheridan (basketball); Aeysha Williams (basketball); Monica De Salazar-Ballivian (basketball); Ari Gesini (athletics); Darcy Wilson (swimming); Gabrielle Waller (swimming); Amalie Leslie ( athletics/snow-skiing/gymnastics); Arlindo Rodrigues (soccer); Christian Valeri (futsal); Madilyn Janssen (basketball); Hamish Sanz-Pellatt (softball/rugby league); and Paige Edwards (touch football/futsal). In addition, an Award was given to Brandon Stroud to help with his efforts establishing powerchair soccer in the ACT. For more information or to donate, visit lordstavernersact.org.au
Mental health and wellbeing grants
Eligible community organisations and individuals are encouraged to apply for the $450,000 COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellbeing Innovation Grants program. The grants program will support mental health programs and ideas that focus on community recovery, building resilience, tackling loneliness, and creating meaningful social connections in the face of the pandemic. To apply or to find out more, email the ACT Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing via [email protected]
Digital Red Noses
Australians are being ‘mobile-ised’ to raise vital funds this Red Nose Day (Friday 14 August) and help curb the devastation of nine little lives lost every day to stillbirth, sudden infant death and fatal sleeping accidents. On 15 July, Red Nose Australia launched the 32nd Red Nose Day fundraising appeal, unveiling two fun new Digital Red Nose filters. Aussies are encouraged to screenshot themselves wearing the Digital Red Noses on Instagram and Facebook, make a donation, and submit their photo to become a Face of Red Nose Day. Traditional Red Noses will be available at BIG W stores across Australia. Every dollar raised helps to save little lives and support grief-stricken families. More info: rednoseday.org.au
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