Each year, the non-profit organisation distributes the proceeds from its much-loved Op Shop to community organisations across the City, as well as financial donations and bequests.
Last year the SMCC celebrated both a record number of grantees and funding.
SMCC President Gary Hutchens said Op Shop volunteers are looking forward to delivering more grants to deserving community groups this year.
“It gives you perspective on all the great organisations we have in Port Phillip and the dedication they have to their local communities. There’s a lot of really wonderful people in this City,” Hutchens said.
The Sunday Suppers Welfare Program, run by the St Silas and St Anselm’s – Parish of the Parks, was one of last year’s grant recipients.
The weekly program provides a hot meal to about 70 people every Sunday as well as emergency food relief parcels each month.
“We’ve been supporting the Sunday Suppers Welfare Program for a number of years now. We’re very pleased because it’s a program that’s well worth supporting,” Mr Hutchens said.
Last year, SMCC also provided funding to Emerald Hill Mission students to receive additional educational support and to buy new books.
Emerald Hill Mission’s education program supports students through high school education or trade apprenticeship, achieving an impressive 93 per cent graduation rate.
Other SMCC grant recipients for 2022 included:
- Rotary Port Phillip: to assist its work creating backpacks with essential items for children in crisis
- Albert Park College: to provide music scholarships for six disadvantaged students
- Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project: to provide fresh food vouchers for people seeking asylum
- Napier Street Aged Care Services: to fund the restoration of a garden with suitable plantings.
Our Council proudly supports the Community Chest by leasing the Op Shop property at a peppercorn rent.
Applications for South Melbourne Community Chest grants open on Monday 3 July and close on Monday 7 August.
