Pre-school fundraiser soars to new heights

Torquay Community Enterprise member Cr Rose Hodge joins Surf Coast Kite Festival organiser Emily Torney and Jan Juc Pre-School students. Photo: SUPPLIED

THE latest rounds of grants distributed by Torquay Community Enterprise (TCE) will support local children while painting the sky in colour.

Set to benefit is the Surf Coast Kite Festival, hosted by Jan Juc Pre-School, in a bid to raise money
for the early childhood education facility.

Festival organiser Emily Torney said she was grateful to receive one of six grants on offer for the annual community event.
“Thank you to the TCE for supporting the Surf Coast Kite Festival this year,” she said.

“The $1,500 grant will help us get this event off the ground – we are very grateful.”

Supported by the TCE, Surf Coast Shire, Torquay Toys, One Agency, TAC, Surf Coast Times and GORCAPA, the annual event will take place on October 24 from 10am to 2pm at Fishermans Beach.

The kite flying event was inspired by the philosophy of Jan Juc Pre-School which is to encourage children to learn and grow through a play-based curriculum that reflects the unique nature of each child.

“This year the event will continue its focus on community involvement, especially after the year we have all had,” Ms Torney said.

“We will also maintain a keen interest in sustainability, gaining exposure for Jan Juc Pre-School and our wonderful supporters.”

Loaded with events suitable for all ages, Ms Torney said attendees can enjoy novelty kite displays, a kid’s corner with arts and crafts as well as live entertainment.

Under the annual TCE grants program up to $2,000 can be awarded to charitable and not-for-profit organisations that benefit the communities across Torquay, Jan Juc, Bellbrae, Connewarre and Freshwater Creek.

Preference is given to projects that support equity for all abilities, community capacity building projects, cultural and arts initiatives, environmental conservation, children and youth initiatives, community’s health and wellbeing, schools and early education, sport and recreation as well as preservation of regional history.

Since 2008, the TCE has distributed more than $339,000 in grants and sponsorships.