Community Grants Presentation- Raymond Terrace

Yesterday morning was far to cold to be getting up earlier to meet and greet the receipts of the Community Grants for my area (Raymond Terrace), but I’m glad I did, it was a great morning. The Sun was streaming through the front windows of the Raymond Terrace Branch and everyone was happy with there hot coffee’s and very yummy muffins.

People were introduced and networking and chit chat followed, with everyone learning more about each others organization and how they play are part in our local community. Formal proceedings started with Ray O’Brien (Cheif Executive of Companion) giving a quick welcome and a background on the community grants program and how we hope this will be accepted and continued in to the future. Our next speaker and presenter was Deputy Mayor Bob Westbury who gave a speech acknowledging community groups and not for profit organizations and all there tireless work that they do. Each recipient was asked to give a small overview of their organization upon receipt of there grant. Photo’s were taken by our very talented and creator of the grant- Marketing Manager Cas Scott. Local press The Port Stephens Examiner was in attendance so there were smiles all round.

More Coffee and muffins followed with no one wanting to leave as we had all become quite cozy in the morning sun. But alas the real world awaits. Praise was forthcoming about the launch of the program with the general consensus being that this was a wonderful way for Companion to maximize the way the funds were to be disbursed. With our membership base being able to nominate an organization that they felt strongly about or an existing Companion organization being able to nominate themselves. As our recipients said their goodbye’s, business cards were exchanged and all hoped that we would all be back to do it again next year. I’m sure I heard them whisper to each other about Ray hoping there maybe a bigger sponosrhip pie next year!!!!!

Recipients for Raymond Terrace/ Salamander Bay: Port Stephens Outrigger Canoe Club, Hunter Volunteer Centre, Riding for the Disabled and Raymond Terrace Christian Education Association.

A full picture gallerywill be on this website in the coming weeks- so keep an eye out for it.

Mel.S
Raymond Terrace Branch Manager

June 12th, 2009 | Leave a Comment »