Donation helps to provide hope to Foundation 61

FOUNDATION 61 has received a financial boost from two local community groups which will assist facilitators to transport women to and from appointments.

The Geelong Community Foundation and Dawn Wade Foundation teamed up to provide over $60,000 in grants to assist Foundation 61 buy a new minivan.

The vehicle will be used to transport women to and from the soon-to-open House of Hope centre.

The House of Hope facility will offer emotional, physical and social rehabilitation programs and services to women.

Foundation 61 House of Hope program manager, Georgia Hicks said the minivan would be an invaluable asset.

“The bus is a practical, but essential means to providing holistic and individualised care for the women with safe transportation.

“It will broaden specialised therapy and treatment options which cannot be provided on site. A bus will facilitate introductions and connections to community that these women haven’t had before, allowing them to have new experiences and have more options in rebuilding their lives.

“Without a bus, House of Hope won’t be able to deliver all that transport makes possible.

“We express our absolute gratitude to Geelong Community Foundation and the Dawn Wade Foundation for their generous support in providing funds for a bus.”

Geelong Community Foundation chief executive officer, Gail Rodgers said she was rapt to deliver on the project.

“Ongoing collaboration between the Dawn Wade Foundation and Geelong Community Foundation has been key to delivering on this critical project for Foundation 61 and their House of Hope, with funding split between the funders to purchase the minibus.”

Dawn Wade Foundation trustee, Brian Edward also threw his support behind the work of Foundation 61.

“The Dawn Wade Foundation applauds the efforts of the Foundation 61 to establish an effective drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre for women in Geelong,

“Including providing ample facilities to reside on location with their children. It is stating the obvious to mention that the new mini bus will be a valuable asset and convenient form of transport”.