Grants to give a big helping hand

Adroit Insurance Group’s $5000 grant was one of four announced by Community Foundation for Central Victoria Wednesday morning at Bendigo Tramways.

In total $11,300 in grants would be given.

Community Foundation CEO Ann Lansberry said Adroit’s grant would fund Sam the Story Tram, a St Lukes Anglicare program giving children the chance to ride the rails with a professional story teller and get a showbag as well as a book.

Ms Lansberry said children from disadvantaged backgrounds would get priority access to the free program.

Australia Bank gave $1500 to a project helping families tackling domestic violence through the court system.

Bendigo Family and Financial Services’ Tracie Driscoll said the money would be used to provide children with tablets and coloring books while their parents sought advice after the court system issued them fines.

“We help parents set up payment plans or help them identify special circumstances which reduce or remove their fine,” she said.

“It’s a stressful time for families. Often when they come to use their children are with them too,” she said.

Ms Driscoll said when bored and stressed children played up during meetings parents often struggled.

“(They) can’t think because they are just worried about the kids … everything is just a bit less stressful if the kids are able to play with something,” she said.

Meanwhile the Bendigo Stadium gave $3000 to SMART Recovery, a program helping Castlemaine residents overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs and other challenges.

The Stadium also donated $1866 to the Discovery Centre to help local Karen children participate in and learn about science and technology programs.

Ms Lansberry said it was incredibly rewarding to give out the grants.

“I tell you, it’s fantastic getting that sense that the community supports itself. We can really see those amazing benefits coming out,” she said.