2024 was a busy and rewarding year for Hawthorn Community Chest. We saw a significant increase in the need for essential support, including food, medical expenses and transport assistance. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have been able to respond swiftly to these needs, approving more than 125 grants totalling $126,500 and assisting over 180 individuals living across Boroondara in necessitous circumstances. A breakdown of these grants is provided below:
Education $34,700
Twenty-seven primary, secondary and university students received funding for school books, uniforms, camps, co-curriculum activities, lap tops, stationery, child care and course fees.
Wellbeing $21,200
We continue to fund our wellbeing programs designed to combat loneliness and social isolation by fostering meaningful connections within the community including: The Highbury Crew band, Servants Community Housing art therapy, Chatterlink at Rococo and the Coffee Pot programs.
Wheelchair lift $18,325
We supported Belmore School Balwyn by part funding a wheelchair lift enabling safe transport of nearly 50% of students who attend the school daily in wheelchairs.
Health $16,340
We funded out-of pocket medical bills, medicines and pharmacy items, ADHD assessments and equipment such as prescription glasses, orthotics, CPAP machine repairs and wheelchair hire.
Transportation and communication $12,450
We funded Myki cards, taxis, petrol vouchers, car registration and car insurance ensuring local residents could reach an urgent care clinic, medical and legal appointments, food relief or school and enjoy social interactions. Mobile phone recharges were also funded, providing a lifeline for communication, access to resources, and personal safety.
Home $12,085
After years of being homeless we funded kitchenware and bedding to two families setting up their first home in the new Bills St Hawthorn public housing. Fridges and microwaves assisted other local residents store and cook meals, a washing machine assisted a mother with a physical disability avoid the laundromat and house rent grants provided secure and stable housing.
Food $9,600
While most of our grant recipients regularly access the emergency food relief at Boroondara Community Outreach, Camcare and Salvos there is still a need for supermarket vouchers to assist with meat, Halal foods, diet sensitivities, and items not available at foodbanks. Funding was also provided to Hawthorn Community House for their community lunch program.
Respite $1,800
When a foster care arrangement was at risk of breakdown, a grant for respite support provided caregivers temporary relief, and assisted with the continuation of quality and stable care of siblings.
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