For many years Belmont 16s has supported various not-for-profit organisations through the NSW ClubGRANTS platform.

It has been during this process that the Club’s Board and Management have recognised that there is a greater need for funding to be allocated to grassroots, non-profit groups in the local community.

From this, the Helping Hands community support initiative was developed, pledging to donate $5,000 each to four local groups to help them achieve their 2021 vision.

Belmont 16s asked members during the month of July to nominate local charitable organisations, sporting groups, community groups or programs that they felt could utilise this funding.

The program allowed exclusively for Belmont 16s member only nominations, requiring nominees to be of a not-for-profit nature and located in our LGA of Lake Macquarie.

Belmont 16s CEO, Scott Williams said a simple and effective voting system was required to ensure a variety of local options were considered for the donation program.

“We felt a simple, straightforward nomination and voting process was vital in ensuring we received a wide range of nominees,” he said.

“As a Club, we have long understood that there is a diverse range of causes that are important to our members.”

The Helping Hands program received 63 member nominations during a four week period.

Once vetted, they asked the Belmont 16s team of 159 staffers to vote for which groups, they felt were the most worthy of a helping hand.

“The process of allocation for this initiative, involving firstly member recognition and then letting our staff vote meant our Helping Hands program was truly a Belmont 16s community driven project,” Scott said.

Even though Belmont 16s has been affected by the current statewide lockdown, it was determined more important than ever to move forward as scheduled with this community funding program and subsequent donations.

Belmont 16s is pleased to announce that the recipients of their Helping Hands funding is:

• Survivors R Us, Cardiff NSW

Supporting the fight against domestic violence, homelessness, and unemployment in Lake Macquarie.

• Warm Blankets for Everyone, Belmont NSW

Two local Belmont women started making blankets from donated materials and distributing these to local charity and refuge organisations.

• Belmont Men’s Shed, Belmont North NSW

Supporting the values of the National Men’s Shed movement and specifically aims to provide men of Belmont and surrounding suburbs with a facility that is safe, supportive, and friendly.

• Belmont Neighbourhood Community Centre, Belmont North NSW

A vibrant and busy community centre with lots of projects, activities, workshops fitness classes and events.

Each of these recipients will receive $5,000.

“We would like to thank all Club members who took the time to nominate, all team members who took the time to vote and of course all not – for-profit groups in our community, keep up the good work,” Scott concluded.

IMAGE | Belmont 16s provide donations to support community voted initiatives.