Festive boost for local charity

CHOICE Hotels Asia-Pac awarded Mount Gambier-based charity Four Reasons Why a $4000 grant as part of its Your Community, Your Choice program, an initiative that champions local organisations driving a meaningful difference.

The grassroots program encourages Choice Hotels franchisees to nominate charities in their local community for a community grant.

Comfort Inn The Lakes Mount Gambier proudly nominated Four Reasons Why for its outstanding work helping families and children in need.

Four Reasons collects and distributes new and pre-loved winter clothing, footwear and household essentials to help children and families experiencing hardship to keep warm during winter, along with campaigns that provide sporting equipment and opportunities to young people, as well as targeted community assistance.

Founder Trudi Shelton, who was inspired to start the charity after her own experience with hardship, said the nomination was incredibly encouraging and the win meant a great deal to her and the organisation.

“We rely on this kind of support, and 100 per cent of it goes back into the Limestone Coast community,” Trudi said. “This year, we are so grateful to have the extra support from our grant to support our Family Christmas voucher packs – a tradition we’ve been working on for the past three years.

“The voucher packs reach more than 200 families and provide some much needed relief and joy to those who are struggling around the holiday season.

“It’s incredible to know that people in our community are behind us and believe in the work we do. It reminds us that we’re on the right path, making an important impact on the community, and that people want to help us grow.

“It’s not just about those who give funds or donate goods, but also those who open their hearts and admit they need support. The cycle of giving and receiving is constant, and it’s a beautiful thing to be part of. We truly appreciate the opportunity to be involved with Choice’s grants program and to receive this support.”

Choice Hotels Asia-Pac’s senior director commercial and revenue management Kari Hunter said Four Reasons Why was selected for its hands on approach to supporting those in need.

“Four Reasons Why’s work has a tangible impact on individuals and families in Mt Gambier,” Kari said. “We’re proud to support the team to extend its programs that help those doing it tough on the Limestone Coast.

“Our hotels – including Comfort Inn The Lakes – are at the heart of their communities. The Your Community, Your Choice initiative allows them to support organisations doing important, on-the-groundwork in their own town or region”

Four grants of $4000 each were awarded across Australia and New Zealand to organisations making a meaningful impact, while 15 additional winners were announced across the United States.

Alongside Four Reasons Why, the three other Australasian-based recipients to receive a grant were:

• Warrina Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services (Coffs Harbour) – crisis accommodation and support for vulnerable women and children, free counselling and case management services

• Our Village (Geelong) – gathers and rehomes essential baby and children’s items in partnership with social workers and maternal and child health nurses

• Aspire Canterbury (Christchurch) – disability support services

For more information about Four Reasons Why, please see fourreasonswhy.org.au