Joint patrons for Soldier On
Soldier On has announced that the Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley, and his wife, Linda Hurley, have accepted the role as joint patrons of Soldier On. Soldier On chairman, Peter Leahy, said: “It is with great delight that we welcome both the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley as Patrons of Soldier On. Having served in the military, they have a very good understanding of the trials and tribulations of our serving personnel and will ensure that Soldier On maintains its place at the forefront of improving the lives of contemporary veterans and their families.”
Shipment of love
Canberra and the surrounding region have shown their support for ladies of the land by creating pamper packs for those women whose lives have been drastically affected by the enduring drought. Twenty-one pallets of pamper pack shoe boxes – featuring goodies such as toiletries, gift vouchers and more – recently headed off to Orange NSW for wider distribution to those whose lives have been impacted by drought. The appeal for pamper packs has been co-ordinated through mother and daughter team of Vicki and Teagan Day of Tony Innaimo Transport, Fyshwick.
Marist families help bring joy
Students from Marist College Canberra spent several weeks gathering food items to contribute to hampers that will be delivered to families in need this Christmas. John Feint, President of the St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn, said the “items we receive from the Marist community will be included in the hampers our volunteer members make up and deliver to the people we assist”. This festive season, Vinnies is expecting to provide over $500,000 in emergency assistance to more than 3,000 families and individuals in need in the Canberra region. In the last year, the two greatest requests for assistance were for help with food and utilities. The Vinnies Christmas appeal ends on 31 January. Donate by visiting any Vinnies shop, calling 13 18 12 or via vinnies.org.au/christmasappeal
New resource for parents
A new resource is available for parents-to-be and their families to find high quality services from preconception to preschool in Canberra and surrounds. The Canberra Baby Directory is a free annual A5 magazine which features editorials and advertisements from local businesses and providers. More info: canberrababydirectory.com.au
United fans show generosity
Canberra United’s Christmas Appeal, which collected donated gifts from the community during the club’s home match against Brisbane Roar on 5 December, resulted in 218 toys donated. The toys are being distributed to Salvation Army centres throughout the ACT and southern NSW, to be gifted to families in need.
Peace pole
Sutton Public School, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bungendore and assisted by the Lake George Men’s Shed, has joined a Rotary initiative to put in place 100 peace poles in Australian schools by 2021 to coincide with the centenary of the establishment of Rotary in Australia. The peace pole program had its beginnings in 1955 in Japan. More than 200,000 peace poles have been installed in some 200 countries around the world, symbolising the common wish for peace and a silent reminder to think and act in the spirit of peace.
Junior Landcare grants
A number of schools in the ACT and surrounding region have secured a grant towards building and sustaining a greener future as recipients in the latest round of Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants. This program offers grants of up to $1,000 for Australian primary schools and early learning centres across the country. The grants aim to help fund young Australians with hands-on projects focusing on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices and enhancing native habitats.
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