Possibly one of the happiest events of the year was held in Kendall on Thursday, March 16 – the presentation of grants from the Kendall Community Op Shop.
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Generating funds through the op shop, the volunteer committee donate grants to various community groups and organisations whose work enhances the spirit of the Camden Haven.
This year, $73,500 in grants were allocated at the presentation at the Kendall Services and Citizens Club. Members of the community could apply for up to $20,000 in funding for their cause.
In attendance was Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams, op shop committee members, and members of the Kendall and Camden Haven community. Students from the Kendall Primary School African Drummers performed and Kim Barrie provided a photographic display.
“Community grants are a major part of our fund distribution,” said president of the op shop Dianne Pope.
“Organisations apply for funds through a comprehensive application system. Applications have an upper limit of $20,000 or can be as small as a couple of hundred dollars.
“Organisations are required to show that they are community-based, their project is sustainable, submit quotes, financial statements and complete an evaluation at the end of the project and report on their organisations progress the following year at the grants presentation.”
This year $73,500 has been distributed to the community. This includes $4,600 as an extra sponsorship to the Kendall Violin Competition to run the Kendall Strings Project which involved a series of workshops for local musicians and a concert.
Since 2009 $858,500 has been distributed back to the community. This does not include the $185,000 worth of improvements made to the Kendall Pool.
Kendall Op-Shop Community Grants 2017:
- Laurieton Tennis Club – Funds to cover the cost of two new court nets. $556
- Riding for the disabled – The Kendall Centre – Funds to purchase safety/support riding vests. $1,280
- Kendall Heritage Society – Funds to cover the cost of upgrading the historic Longworth Tramway. $1685
- Kendall Public School P&C – Funds to cover the cost of six ukuleles for the school’s music program and an electric Vita-mix and electric juicer to be used in the canteen. $2,134
- Laurieton Men’s Shed – Funds to replace outdated machinery. $3,000
- Bonny Hills Progress Association – Funds to provide an outside shower facility as part of the new amenities block. $3,000
- Camden Haven Pilot Station – Funds to cover the cost of signage involving QR code applications to convey information to the public. $3,745
- Camden Haven District Pony Club – Funds to begin construction of removable stables in the Gordon Ramsey Pavilion, Kendall Showground. $5,000
- Kendall Men’s Shed – Funds to cover the cost of construction of walls and roof to an existing floor slab and the fitting of roller doors, wiring and power. $13,000
- Camden Haven PAH&I Society – Funds to cover the cost of building a multi-purpose community machinery workshop. $20,000
Sponsorship Program:
The Sponsorship program was introduced to cater for those organisations that have needs that do not comply with the criteria set down in the Grants system.
- Kendall National Violin Competition to conduct Kendall Live Music for Schools –a three year sponsorship. $5,000
- Kendall Riding for the Disabled – one year sponsorship for the care and up-keep of a horse. $2,500
Charity Grants:
Each year five per cent of the op shop’s annual profit goes towards charitable purposes. The charities receiving these funds are nominated by the op shop volunteers. Representatives from nominated charities are invited to the volunteers meeting to talk about the needs of their organisations.
- Camden Haven Community @ 3 – this group of volunteers provide a free barbecue each Friday for people in the community and works toward including marginalised people in the community by providing friendship and help with accommodation. $1,000
- Burma Education Fund – a fund set up to provide food and educational needs for the Thukhita Girls Orphanage in Burma. $1,500
- Beyond Blue Rural Health – provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health. The grant is made to Mel Yeates who is raising money for Beyond Blue by busking around Australia. $1,000
- Make a Difference (MAD) PMQ Inc. – this is a local not for profit organisation that has currently partnered with Orange Sky Laundry to raise funds to get a mobile laundry van operational on the Mid North Coast. $3,000
- YP Space MNC – a youth crisis centre in Port Macquarie that provides 5 bed accommodation for youth and transitioning assistance to social housing. $1,500
