17 July 2020
Griffith City Council will lend a helping hand to local youth, with 80 care packages to be handed out.
At the Ordinary Meeting held on 26 May 2020 Council allocated $2,500 from unsubscribed funding from the Community Grants budget to the provision of Care Packages for vulnerable youth in Griffith.
While Council provided the funding, it is thanks to Kmart Griffith, Griffith Foodworks, Griffith Community Centre, Rapid Clean Griffith and Headspace, that so many packages were provided.
It was Senior Constable Alex Davies, School Liaison Officer who raised the initial concern regarding disengaged youth in the City.
Griffith Police and the Youth Command will be distributing the packages, which will help break down barriers, build rapport and assist vulnerable youth.
Each care package contains pasta, sauce, shampoo and conditioner, soap, cards a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, lollies, chips, a razor, hand sanitizer, moisturizer, feminine hygiene products, stress ball and mental health resources.
Griffith Mayor Councillor John Dal Broi said he was glad to see such a worthwhile project being implemented.
"I want to thank all of the businesses and organisations who have played a part in helping and Senior Constable Davies for bringing the need to our attention," Councillor Dal Broi said.
Kmart Griffith Store Manager, Corey Martin said he was glad to be able to support young people in need.
"We employ a lot of young people at Kmart so we were more than happy to contribute," he said.
"It's important for us to ensure we are involved in the community that we provide service to."
Foodworks Manager Ross Catanzariti said, "We know there are a lot of people suffering hardship and we like to help out the community if we can."
The Youth Care Packages Project is a combined community effort with advice sought from a range of services including Youth Links, Griffith Clontarf Academy and Griffith Community Centre.
