Why are we collecting funds?
Not everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential and in West Heidelberg many within the community have been doing it tough for a long time.
But throughout this community some people do shine and make a real contribution to society, because of the assistance given to them along the way. Through its programs, OAE strives to provide this assistance to community members so that they can gain confidence and skills which enables them to shine.
Not all of our programs are funded through government sources and often the real breakthroughs come from activities and innovations that governments rarely fund. Yet this is where OAE makes a real difference to people's lives and as a result, OAE needs to rely less on short-term government grants and more on support from the Australian community.
How will the funds be used?
The funds will be used to support programs such as the following:
Community Lunches
Food from Foodbank and SecondBite are donated and from that our staff and volunteers prepare a meal. Food parcels offered for those in need.
BellBardia meal
Food from Foodbank and SecondBite are donated and from that our staff and volunteers prepare a healthy weekly meal to Belbardia Estate (public housing estate) residents
Over 4,400 meals were served in 2015
Thursday cook-ups
Food not used for the Bellbardia meal is then cooked, frozen or made into chutney and distributed free to those in need.
Olympic Village Makers Market
The market aims to provide local residents with an opportunity to:
Asylum Seeker conversations
We have many asylum seekers coming regularly to practice English whilst participating in activities at Alice House, OAE's community centre.
Each time we all have lunch together and of course, practise English. They are very grateful for the activity, the speaking of English and the opportunity to make community connections.
Alice House Home and Garden Care
A mentoring program for long term unemployed and unskilled adults to undertake work on their own properties and their neighbours: Gardening - mowing, brush cutting, pruning, weeding, drain clearing
The aim is for participants to develop work skills that could lead to further work.
Seedling Propagation Project
The purpose of the Seedling Propagation Project is to:
Computers
Free computer access is available for those from low income backgrounds who otherwise would not have access to a computer - available 5 days a week
Community Garden
Free gardening program for locals to grow vegetables and herbs to be used in the community lunches
Playgroup
Free weekly Playgroup for local families who cannot afford to pay
Craft Group
Free craft group every week which includes mosaics and sewing
Help support this cause by creating your own 'CrowdRaiser' fundraising page.
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