A Caringbah charity is among those to have benefited from the latest round of the Strengthening Local Communities Grants programme, run by Sutherland Shire Council.
The scheme is run by the council and backed by Toyota Australia, which is based in Caringbah, and $40,000 was distributed in the latest awards.
The money is aimed at helping organisations develop and become more innovative, and offers grants of $5,000.
Among the recipients was the Caringbah YMCA, which received money for its Brightside project that creates exercise programmes for people with mental illness.
People are referred to the scheme through a doctor or social worker, or can apply to join themselves. Anyone accepted gets free access to the Y centre gym as well as a personalised fitness regime and help from a mentor.
The group could use some of the money to create promotional Brochures to publicise the scheme, or for printed certificates that could be given to people who complete the programme.
Seven other organisations were given grants in this round, including the Menai Youth Project, which provide activities for young people after school and during holidays. The Knockout Knitters, who knit scarves and hats for homeless people, were another beneficiary, as was Multiple Sclerosis Ltd, which will fund its Taking Control of MS programme for young people with multiple sclerosis and their families.
The grants were awarded at a special ceremony held earlier this month.Get a Free Quote for Brochures
