CommBank Ocean Grove gifts newest regional grant recipient

OCEAN Grove Toy Library has received a generous grant from Commonwealth Bank Ocean Grove for its ongoing commitment to the town.

In a surprise visit from bank manager Ben Mumberson during an evening shift, Toy Library secretary Anita Mullick accepted the $500 funding cheque on behalf of the committee.

“I couldn’t believe it, we were absolutely thrilled,” Ms Mullick said.

“It’s perfect timing as we need to update our very popular party packs, so this money will go to buying ‘big-ticket’ party toys that will make any birthday event a success!”

Children of Ocean Grove and surrounds have felt the benefit of the Ocean Grove Toy Library’s work since 1980, when it first opened.

The Toy Library, now located at the Boorai Centre on Shell Road, made up entirely of volunteers, opens its doors every Tuesday night between 7-8pm and Saturday morning 10-11am.

Members pay an annual fee to join and can borrow four toys a fortnight or up to eight toys with a family membership.

The committee is made up of 10 local mums who volunteer their time between parenting and day jobs, supported by members helping out for a one-hour session each term.

“A lot of our members are really into the philosophy, borrow don’t buy – it just makes so much sense from an environmental perspective. Not to mention financially,” Ms Mullick said.

“We were excited to reach the milestone of 100 members this month! It means things can get a bit hectic on borrowing days, so we really rely on member support.

“It helps to keep things running smoothly, and means the committee has more time for important things like applying for grant funding, buying, and assembling new toys, stocktaking, and keeping members updated through emails and social media.

“It’s a busy place but we love it and especially seeing how much fun the kids have with the toys. ‘New’ toys every fortnight is exciting for them, and you can cater to different phases of development and flavours of the month.”

CommBank Ocean Grove’s Ben Mumberson said the branch as a whole decides grant recipients, choosing community groups that provide a necessary service to residents.

“We’ve been crying out for these grants as far as regional based communities are concerned,” Mr Mumberson said.

“These regional grants allow us to go out to individual businesses under the postcode of 3226 and make a tangible difference.

“The last community grant we gave was $500 to Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine, so for us it shows that we actually bring what we do back to community and the local people that come into our branch.”

For more information or to join up at the Toy Library, head to oceangrovetoylibrary.org.au.