Council staff give local organisations a helping hand

Griffith City Council staff joined the global generosity movement, Giving Tuesday, presenting funds to three worthy local organisations this week.

Staff held morning teas, raffles and casual days once a month throughout the year to raise $1,500 for charity.

Recipients this year were Griffith Can Assist, Linking Communities Network Ltd – Links for Women crisis accommodation service (Griffith Women’s Refuge) and Rural Outreach Counselling.

Griffith Can Assist and Rural Outreach Counselling were presented with cheques for $500 each while Linking Communities Network Ltd – Links for Women received vouchers to purchase essential items during a special morning tea held on Tuesday, 3 December 2019.

Olga Forner from Griffith Can Assist said the money would be used to support local cancer patients and their families.

“We are extremely grateful for this donation,” Mrs Forner said.

“Due to travel and accommodation expenses it can easily cost a country family affected by cancer up to five times more than a city family just to access treatment.

“The reality is that many country mums and dads simply can’t afford treatment, let alone weeks spent away from their family.”

Carrol Farlow from Linking Communities Network Ltd – Links For Women, said the vouchers will go a long way in assisting clients leading up to the Christmas period.

“These vouchers will allow us to support families in need and I want to thank Council staff for their generosity,” she said.

The aim of Rural Outreach Counselling is to significantly reduce suicide and the impact of depression and anxiety in rural families and communities throughout regional Australia.

Rural Outreach Counselling’s David Post said the funds would allow them to further reach out proactively with help and support to those who can’t, or won’t present to a GP or mental health services.

“Unfortunately there is a growing need for our service,” he said.

GivingTuesday is an opportunity to give back to the organisations making a difference in people’s lives.

?For one day each year, individuals, communities and business come together to give their time, money, goods or voices, to celebrate and thank Australian not-for-profits.

GivingTuesday is a global movement, with more than 50 participating countries around the world celebrating generosity on a single day.

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