Christmas meal grants open to groups

ELIGIBLE local community groups have been invited by the City of Greater Bendigo to apply for a Community Festive Season Meals grant to help them host festive meal events or provide food relief hampers for distribution during the December Christmas and New Year period.

To qualify for the $2000 grant, groups must be a registered legal entity, such as an incorporated association, however informal groups or individuals can also apply through a supporting organisation.

The grants are aimed at supporting a range of small, local activities across Greater Bendigo between Monday 1 and Wednesday 31 December.

Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said community meal events held at Christmas and throughout the holiday season are consistently well attended and provide connection and companionship to those experiencing disadvantage or social isolation.

“In Greater Bendigo, we’re fortunate to have wonderful community groups that support residents who may not have others to celebrate with during the festive season,” she said.

“This support would not be possible without the commitment of volunteers and local businesses.

“This year, we’ve seen how the cost of living is affecting many people and we hope these grants will help bridge a gap at a time when many other supports are unavailable.”

Applications are now open and will close at 3pm on Wednesday 24 September.

If your group is interested in applying for a grant, please contact a City Grants Officer via email at [email protected] or by phone on 1300 002 642.

To apply directly, visit the COGB website.