Ten charities operating across Gippsland and Melbourne’s Outer South East have shared $108,560 in funding allocated by Catholic Diocese of Sale charitable fund Trinity Families.
The allocation brings the total amount distributed by Trinity Families to $1.6 million over the past 15 years. Cheques were presented to representatives of the various charities at a function at Warragul on Tuesday October 29 by Bishop of Sale, Pat O’Regan.
Trinity Families assisted an additional two charities this year, up from eight charities in 2018, thereby increasing the charity’s broader impact in the areas including food support, drug recovery support, early years’ assistance and counselling.
CatholicCare received $45,000 to provide family counselling services in Sale, Pakenham and Warragul. The cheque was accepted by Nick Collins and Mark Tanti from CatholicCare.
Olivia’s Place in Warragul received $15,000. Kirsten Finger and Robyn Bayley were presented with the funds, which will help the organisation with their material aid program which provides free infant and maternity-related items to vulnerable families around the time of welcoming a baby.
The Uniting Church’s Frontier Services received $10,000 for its family support and drought relief work in East Gippsland and the High Country. The money was accepted by the Rev Rowena Harris.
Barrier Breakers based in Traralgon received $10,000 which they aim to use to provide advocacy and support for families or family members who are experiencing mental health issues. CEO Gayle Vinall accepted the cheque which will assist with the organisation’s increasing needs.
The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation received $10,000 for work to improve literacy of vulnerable children in the Latrobe Valley. Finola Laughren received the cheque from Bishop O’Regan.
The Ice Meltdown Project received $7,500 which was presented to Janice Ablett and Megan Wadell. The non-residential withdrawal and rehabilitation support program, based in Drouin, which assists and educates the family and clients in addiction recovery together will use the money for program materials.
Baw Baw Combined Churches Food Relief received $5,000 to purchase food to provide emergency food relief for families and individuals in need in the geographic area of Baw Baw Shire. Jan Davidson and Anne Pascoe attended from the group to collect the funds they hope will make a difference in the shire.
Baw Baw L2P Inc. received $3,060 to assist with the assessment of drivers, for the program which helps young people gain independence by learning to drive. Program Coordinator Beth Carr and program Supporter Prue Walkinshaw accepted the contribution from the Bishop.
St Vincent de Paul, Cranbourne Conference were presented with $2,000 to assist with the Breakfast Club at St Peter’s College in Cranbourne. Matthew Williams from the College and David Edwards from ‘Vinnies’ Cranbourne accepted the funds.
Angel Gowns for Australian Angel Babies were presented with $1,000. Deb Ruedin and Julie Lumsden accepted the funds for the Paynesville/Trafalgar based charity which will assist with the creation of keepsakes after the loss of pre-term babies.
To learn more about Trinity Families visit www.trinityfamilies.org.au
