Netball club meets a $1000 goal

KATE CLIFF – on work experience

KIAMA Downs Netball Club has received $1000 through the Woolworths Fresh Food Kids Community Grants program.

Woolworths’ Kiama store services manager Darren Tracey presented the cheque to club treasurer Pam Mitchell and Secretary Josephine St John at Minnamurra Primary School last Wednesday.

“The money will be used to buy much-needed equipment such as new match balls and kit bags for the 2009 season,” Ms St John said.

“We are so grateful.”

The money will also help fund the club’s end-of-season presentation, including the purchase of medals and trophies. It will be held at Kiama Leisure Centre on September 20.

“The presentation provides encouragement to all of the club’s members,” Ms St John said. “Two members from each team are presented with a coaches’ award and most improved player award.”

Woolworths received more than 12,000 applications for grants this year.

Ms St John submitted the club’s application for the program earlier in the year.

Kiama Downs Netball Club celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and is one of only three associations in Kiama to receive a grant.

Kiama Netball Association and Kiama Guides also received grants through the program.

“It is very competitive out there and fundraising is very difficult,” Ms St John said. “So we appreciate the money so much.”

The program is run nationally and grants of up to $5000 are available to community groups.

The program aims to assist community groups develop initiatives for primary school-age children.

Funds were available to food, nutrition, exercise and physical activity programs to encourage children to lead healthier and more active lives.

The 2008 program has now closed, but applications for the 2009 program will be available at the beginning of next year.

The presentation of the cheque was made at Minnamurra Public School because the majority of the club’s primary school members attend the school.

Ms St John thanked Mr Tracey for organising the presentation.