Leschenault Progress Association hands out $5000 in grants from Settlers Hall hire funds

A community group is giving back to the residents who support it by handing out donations to fellow organisations. The Leschenault Progress Association handed out $5000 in grants to five different causes last week, using part of the funds it raised from hiring out Settlers Hall on Marine Drive. Secretary Karen McCarthy said the association was proud to be able to support those who support Leschenault residents. “We usually choose organisations that would be supporting or being utilised by the residents of Leschenault and surrounds,” she said. “Most of these organisations are also not-for-profit organisations, who rely on grant funding and donations to support their organisation.” Initiatives supporting those impacted by domestic violence and young people are the two main causes the association helped. Harbour Refuge and Support Services and Waratah Support Centre will receive grants, as will Lot 208 Youth Inc to help its Adventure World and other school holiday activity programs. Solaris Cancer Care was provided gift vouchers to support its craft activities and Australind Senior High School senior’s concert band, which is fundraising to take 40 members and equipment to Melbourne for a national championship, was given a boost. “Until recently we would usually donate to one organisation each year, however over the last few years we have been able to increase the number of organisations that we support,” Ms McCarthy said. “These funds come from hiring out Settlers Hall to our community, and over the last few years the hall has been very well booked out.”