By ALANA MITCHELSON
KOOWEERUP Scouts have received a $10,000 community grant towards improving hiking equipment.
The 1st Kooweerup Scout Group is one of 39 groups across the state to have been awarded funding by the Commonwealth Bank.
Scout Leader Katrina Humphrey said the Scouts participated in hiking trips ranging from a day-long hike to a 30-kilometre hike over two nights.
They carry all of their equipment including a sleeping mat, cooking equipment and tent.
The grant has enabled the group to purchase up to 10 hiking packs, allowing Scouts of all socio-economic backgrounds to take part in hikes and camps that they may otherwise be unable to attend.
Pakenham Commonwealth Bank branch manager Jeevan Perera said the Scout group was committed to supporting the well-being of youth.
“It is a great source of pride for our staff and the Commonwealth Bank to support so many worthy programs in Victoria through these grants,” she said.
“We are grateful for the generosity of more than 13,000 current and retired staff who donate to the Staff Community Fund – one of Australia’s longest workplace giving programs – to make this possible.
“Staff contribute a nominal amount from their salary towards the fund, which is matched dollar for dollar by the bank.”
Since the initiative launched in 2007, $13.7 million in grants have been awarded to more than 1600 youth-focused organisations, supporting a range of programs across education, health and social inclusion fields.
