Local at-risk youth will be the real winners from the September round of the #GreaterNewEngland community funding program with PCYC Tamworth’s Fit for Life taking out the major prize for the month.
For taking out the community vote, the Tamworth based youth organisation will receive $3,000 that will allow them to expand their program offering that aims to empower young people by developing their skills, leadership and character.
Fit for life is designed to engage youths aged 10 to 17 as a baseline program for long term engagement with PCYC. Through physical fitness, nutrition and social engagement, Fit for Life aims to improve overall wellbeing and break down barriers in the community between young people and the Police.
Senior Constable Andrena Sandison, a Youth Case Manager with Tamworth PCYC, said the program was predominately focused around boxing, which is a major part of PCYCs history, however due to COVID restrictions they incorporated other activities such as soccer, hockey and lacrosse to ensure they could meet social distancing requirements.
“Winning the #GreaterNewEngland funding means we can improve our sporting equipment supplies, which will allow us to expand our program offering and increase the number of young people engaged in the program,” Senior Constable Sandison said.
Senior Constable Andrena Sandison
“A recent reward trip to Lake Keepit highlighted that the swimming ability of the group in general was poor, so we’ll also use part of the funds to support formal swimming sessions in Term 4 of 2020 and Term 1 of 2021.”
Also sharing in this month’s funding was Gomeroi Maliyan-Go Football Club and Gunnedah & District Spinners and Weavers who both received $1,000 to put towards their operational costs.
Greater Bank’s Regional Manager, Jennifer Smith, said it was great to see the #GreaterNewEngland funding program provide such support to at risk youth through the Fit for Life program. PCYC Tamworth.
“Since 2016, we’ve now provided $245,000 in funding to a range of local community, sporting and charity groups as a way of demonstrating our commitment to supporting the communities that support us,” Jenny said.
“I’m thrilled to see this month’s #GreaterNewEngland funding go to such a worthwhile organisation as PCYC Tamworth who are helping local youth to make positive life choices,” she said.
The October round of the #GreaterNewEngland program is now open with Tamworth Little Athletics Club, Boggabri Rugby League Football Club and Kelly's Plains Public School P&C all vying for a share in the $5000 funding.
The public can cast their vote online at greater.com.au/greaternewengland or by visiting a Greater Bank branch. Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday, 28 October 2020.