CANTERBURY ONE WITH THE COMMUNITY
As part of Canterbury’s commitment to the local community, the past 12 months has seen the Club take part in an unprecedented number of give-back programs.
In that time Canterbury has donated more than $1.15 million into the local community to run various programs and activities, amongst them, Horizon Theatre’s drama workshop for people with disabilities, a new surgical laser for Canterbury Hospital, and a health and wellness program for children at Lakemba Public School. An additional 149 local organisations, schools, and sporting groups have also benefitted in the past year.
Canterbury staff have also taken a more active part in volunteering their time for a good cause. On the last Thursday of every month, staff have been helping Punchbowl group, Maronites on Mission, distribute food to the homeless at Woolloomooloo and Martin Place. Canterbury Chairman Dr George Peponis OAM and Director Ray Dib and his wife also joined the action to help hand out 160 hot meals, sandwiches, fruit, snacks and drinks to the homeless.
“Ray and I really enjoyed our experience that night and we got to see first-hand how these food runs play an important role to provide well-balanced and nutritious meals. In addition to our staff assisting with the food runs, we are pleased to be able donate $50,000 towards the purchase of a second food van for them to improve their service even more,” said Dr George.
Aside from Board Members, a large group of 32 Canterbury staff also spent the afternoon celebrating Oxi Day with over 100 residents of St Basil’s Nursing Home at Lakemba where everyone ate, drank, danced and generally had a great time.
“St Basil’s is one of our key community partners and this was a perfect way for Canterbury to give back to the local community. Residents at nursing homes can sometimes feel isolated and alone because they might not get to see their families as often – a festive day like this, which encourages interaction and participation, can go a long way towards improving their day and putting a smile back on their faces,” said Dave Brace, CEO of Canterbury League Club.
In 2016, Canterbury plans to support even more local organisations and has a jam-packed calendar of community events kicking off with a staff-led World’s Greatest Shave BBQ lunch, Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea in May, supporting Jeans for Genes Day and October Breast Cancer Awareness Month just to name a few.
