The popular breakfast program run every Tuesday during the school term by Berkeley Vale Neighbourhood Centre has received a boost thanks to the #GreaterCentralCoast Community Funding Program.
The Bay Rugby Club and Coastal Towns Business Chamber Upper Central Coast each received $500 as the monthly runners-up.
Berkeley Vale Neighbourhood Centre President, Kim Juresa, said the response from locals has been amazing.
“We run a Brekkie To Go program at Berkeley Vale Skate Park every Tuesday morning providing juice boxes, Up and Go, muesli bars, fresh fruit and muffins, as well as a few handy school bag essentials like chap sticks, tissues and sanitary products for local teens as they walk to school,” Kim said.
“All items are free and the teens are encouraged to take whatever they like with quite a few taking extras to share with friends that were too shy to come over.
“Everyone is welcome, because we want to make sure we don’t embarrass those kids whose families might be doing it a bit tough."
Kim Juresa, Berkeley Vale Neighbourhood Centre President
“This program is aimed at our local teens but any families with younger children struggling to fill their lunchboxes are welcome to come and grab some school snacks too.
“We rely entirely on donations from the community for this program and providing breakfast costs $200 a week so this money from the Greater will cover our costs for Term 1, 2023.”
Greater Bank’s Central Coast Regional Sales Manager, Josh Swetnam, said it’s important for people to know that these items are available to everyone, no questions asked.
“The inclusive nature of the program is its strength because it means that anyone can get what they need, and no-one in need is singled out,” Josh said.
“We know there’s been a strong response to this initiative from the community, both from the kids and people who support it, so we are pleased to be able to make a contribution as well.”
We have another $3,000 on offer to our monthly nominees for January, who are: Central Coast Waterwatch, Central Coast Outrigger Canoe Club and Killarney Vale Australian Football Club.
The public can vote online at www.greater.com.au/greatercentralcoast from 9.00am Monday January 9 2023 until 5.00pm Wednesday February 1, 2023.