Vinnies receives $10,000 grant from Hands Across Canberra

Lana Filippova receives grant award from Diane Kargas Bray.

Hands Across Canberra has awarded St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn $10,000 to continue running their VINES program.

VINES, which stands for Vinnies, Inspiring, Networking, Education and Support, has been operational for six months and is run in partnership with Scouts ACT.

Mr Barnie van Wyk, CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn said, “The VINES program supports disadvantaged youth in breaking intergenerational cycles through a multi-faceted curriculum that builds practical skills, living skills and social inclusion. 

“This is done by creating positive community experiences which allow for social and emotional development, role modelling, and networking.”

The program operates on weekends and once a week during the school holidays. The Society and the Rover Scouts organise a mix of social and adventurous activities to foster positive risk-taking behaviours, ultimately aimed at breaking the intergenerational welfare dependency cycle.

“There are currently six families engaged in the program, with a total of 16 children aged from 6 to 13 years old participating,” said Mr van Wyk.

So far this year the young people have been on five outings including a bush walk, indoor rock climbing, visits to the National Art Gallery and Questacon, and some snorkelling lessons at Lakeside Leisure Centre in Tuggeranong.

Hands Across Canberra currently support over 160 charities and community organisations. They create campaigns to encourage philanthropy and make it easier for Canberrans to give – to the community as a whole or to their charity of choice.

In their eight years, Hands Across Canberra has donated over $2.65 million to 100 projects aimed at making a difference to some of our most vulnerable people.