ArvoLife - Oberon Christian Life Centre and HD Awareness Orange and Central West have shared the top honours in April’s #GreaterCentralWest community funding round following the program’s first ever tie.
Each will receive $1250 after the incredible result, with both organisations garnering significant community support during the voting period and earning a hefty 5275 votes.
The runner up for April, Wellington Amateur Swimming Club, has taken away $500.
ArvoLife Pastor, Jo Korman, said the program has resumed this term after a COVID-related hiatus and the funding will directly support the work they do with youths in the region.
“Arvo LIFE is a free after-school youth drop-in centre for students in year 6 primary to year 12 high school. We operate after school until 6:00pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and currently welcomes 20 to 25 young people each session,” Jo said.
“It’s a fun, safe, warm, and welcoming place for the youth of Oberon to come and hang out with their friends and connect with others. There is space to chill and chat, get creative with art or craft, plus a variety of indoor and outdoor games and activities; and enough food and snacks to satisfy hungry teenagers after a day at school.
“We’d like to thank Greater Bank for this generous donation. As we don’t receive any other funding, this will greatly enhance what we have to offer the youth of Oberon.
HD Awareness Orange and Central West provides support to families in the region who are caring for someone with Huntington’s Disease, and also raises awareness of this devastating disease.
HD Awareness Orange and Central West Executive Officer, Rachael Brooking, said the effects Huntington’s Disease (HD) are simply devastating.
“HD is likened to having Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and cognitive decline all at the same time. It regarded as the worst disease of mankind and currently there is no effective treatment or cure.” Rachael said.
“There are approximately 30 families living in the region, most of whom are caring for not only one, but two, three or even more family members who have inherited the gene and are suffering from Huntington’s Disease.
“There is little to no support for our HD families here and we do our best to help support them by running a monthly HD support meeting in conjunction with HD NSW&ACT.
“We put on events and raise awareness through various means, including our bus campaign and window display at 312 Summer Street for the month of May, which is International Light Up for Huntington’s Disease Awareness month. We are also working on a professionally filmed and recorded Christmas Carol Concert to be shown at five Central West Cinemas at Christmas time.
“We are very appreciative of this contribution from Greater Bank which will help pay for our bus campaign we are running throughout May in Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo to raise awareness of Huntington’s Disease.”
Rachael Brooking, HD Awareness Orange and Central West Executive Officer
Greater Bank’s Central West Regional Sales Manager, Will Boyd, said the result was a testament to the communities involved.
“It’s amazing to have a tie, especially given both organisations received more than 5,000 votes,” Will said.
“The level of engagement and community support for these organisations is incredible, so congratulations to everyone involved.”
The nominees for the May round of the #GreaterCentralWest community funding program are Eglinton Eels Junior Rugby League Club (Bathurst), Central West Gymsports (Orange) and Dubbo Bulls FC, with $3,000 up for grabs.
The public online vote is now open at greater.com.au/greatercentralwest and closes at 5.00pm Wednesday May 25, 2022.