A KINGSLEY group that supports grandparents raising grandchildren has received a funding boost from a Woodvale bank.
Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren WA received $5500 from Westpac and bank manager Elizabeth Weetch said it was a worthy recipient because members had lost their children to murder, illness, accidents and drug abuse.
“They are then left to raise the grandchildren – some of the grandparents are in their 70s and are looking after primary school age children,” she said.
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President Clive Rowden said the group appreciated the donation, which would go towards respite for grandparents and grandchildren.
“Respite for the group as a whole, grandparents and grandchildren, and separate respite for just grandparents, takes up a major portion of our funds,” he said.
“St Catherine’s Convent arrange for grandparents to spend one day per school term at the convent for morning tea and lunch with games, bingo (and) raffles.
“This event is extremely well supported and enjoyed – a marvellous boost for their mental health.
“However, due to Wanslea funding cuts, the long term future for respite at St Catherine’s is in jeopardy.
“Thankfully we can use some of the funds donated by Westpac bank to carry on with the respite in the next school year.
“We will also use the funds to support our 2019 respite camp for grandparents and grandchildren in Busselton.”
The group meets at the Kingsley Memorial Hall, Kingsley Drive on the second Tuesday of every month form 9.30am.
Visit www.grandparentsrearinggrandchildren.org.au for more information.