Truck and bus firm Hino Motor Sales Australia has given $10,000 towards the Sutherland Shire Sustainability Grants fund, which supports community-based initiatives. Grants of around $5,000 are given to groups or clubs for projects that encourage sustainability in social, economic, cultural, or environmental areas.
The money will be matched by the council, and means the fund will now total $60,000.
Employees from the company will also undertake activities with the council in other areas, such as the Bushcare scheme. No doubt their efforts will appear in promotional material such as poster printing used by the council to encourage more groups to apply for grants next year.
Hino’s chief executive officer, Steve Lotter, said it was important for the company to work locally. He said:
“Hino has been in Caringbah for the last 20 years, with many of its employees living in the Shire. We believe it’s important to give back to the community in which we work and be a good corporate citizen. It will be a fantastic opportunity to learn about the different community groups in the area, show community spirit and support the projects they are undertaking.”
Applications for 2014 grants are now closed, but money will be available again next year and applications will open in June.