Over $50,000 in the Christmas stocking

A number of local community service organisations and research projects will have a little bit more in their Christmas stockings this year when the first round of the Our Wellness Foundation grant applications are announced at the foundation’s Christmas Party on 12 December, ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher MLA, said today.

There will also be an opportunity to pledge support for your favourite local celebrity, with ten Canberra personalities singing for their supper to support the foundation’s fundraising events at the Christmas Party.

The Our Wellness Foundation is a fundraising body that identifies community needs, and raises funds for services and research that improve the health and wellbeing of the people of the ACT and surrounding region.

“The foundation was launched in July and its first round of grant applications received a strong response, which shows the dedication and commitment of many individuals and organisations to making the Canberra region a healthy place,” Ms Gallagher said.

“The grant recipients service a broad range of community needs through equipment and facilities and play a vital role in Canberra’s wellness. It is pleasing that the foundation will distribute over $50,000 to aid in the continuation of these vital community projects.

"There is always a need for fundraising, particularly in the area of health and medical research, and these grants will build on existing services and facilities in the region."

The ten Canberra personalities singing for their supper at the Christmas Party to support the foundation include:

• Senator Garry Humphries
• Chris Uhlmann – Political Editor with the ABC’s 7.30 Report
• Cam and Lisa from the Mix breakfast show
• Lachlan Kennedy and Erin Molan from the Win sports team
• Former Wallabies Jeremy Paull and Julian Huxley
• Local Woolworths champion, Bill Lane; and
• ACT Health representative Shauna Calmers

The Australian Rugby Choir will open the event with a warm up of their vocal chords.

“I encourage all Canberrans to pledge their support for their favourite personality, and we’ll see who wins the popularity contest,” Ms Gallagher said.

To sponsor your favourite personality or to sign up for a Christmas Party with a difference visit www.ourwellnessfoundation.org.au or contact Moira Lye on 02 6244 2963.

20 November 2009