The Springvale Benevolent Society is one of a number of groups to receive funding in the latest round of Greyhound Community Fund grants.
The $10,000 grant will go towards the purchasing of food and food vouchers for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Formed in 1962 by a group of men from different part of the community, the Springvale Benevolent Society has grown from assisting a handful of families and individuals, to more than 400 families each month throughout Springvale, Noble Park and Keysborough.
“At the time there was a lot of migration from different parts of Europe so it was felt there was a need to start something to help along their settlement in the community. They probably didn’t think it would be something that would be going in the long term, but 55 years later, we’re still here,” said society president Joe Rechichi.
“Our vision is that no child goes without food, that’s our main concern, is the care of children. There’s so many kids going to school without breakfast,”
“There’s a group of around 20 of us, all volunteers and we do our very best to serve the community. It’s a tough job, but I have a dedicated team of volunteers and we make a little bit of a difference.”
The Greyhound Community Grants Fund is a joint program of the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club and Greyhounds Entertainment, extending financial support to not for profits that provide quality programming in the areas of health, recreation and community events and festivals that benefit the community in the City of Greater Dandenong.
Other community groups to receive grants in the latest round of funding include the Noble Park Community Centre, Springvale Neighbourhood House, Springvale City Rotary Club, Burmese Womens Alliance, Mazenod Old Collegians Football Club, Dandenong Cricket Club and Road Safety Education.
Click here for further information about the Greyhound Community Fund
