Macquarie Bank Foundation funds Perth sailing program for at-risk youth

24 June 2004

The Macquarie Bank Foundation is funding a pilot program with the South of Perth Yacht Club to run beginners sailing courses for children from Parkerville Children’s Home.

The program is designed to introduce at-risk youth to sailing, while fostering teamwork and a commitment to training. It will also give the children access to positive role models and mentors in the sailing community.

The program was initiated by Macquarie Bank staff member Sally-Anne Layman, who sails at the club and will act as a volunteer for the program, and two of her friends.

“One of our friends is a carer at Parkerville, so we became aware of the problems facing the children there and the need for them to have ongoing activities that bring them into contact with people that can act as both mentors and friends,” she said.

“We introduced the staff at Parkerville Children’s Home to the South of Perth Yacht Club and the program has developed from there.”

South of Perth Yacht Club Sailing Development Officer Greg Omay said the club was keen to get involved in community work and assist children in need.

“Some of the children from Parkerville recently did work experience here. They really enjoyed the environment and they’re very keen to get out on the water,” he said.

“We plan to have the first course up and running next month and would like to build it into an ongoing program,” he said.

Parkerville Children’s Home cares for up to 46 children who can no longer live with their families, while also providing non-residential care and community programs aimed at empowering families.

Parkerville Executive Director David Roberts said the program would give the children a chance to participate in a community life very different from their life experiences.

“We have forty children who, through no fault of their own, cannot live with their families and their life experiences to date have been quite limited,” he said.

“We are excited about this program, which will provide tremendous learning opportunities for the children in our care.”

Macquarie Bank has provided support to community programs for more than 30 years and contributes almost $3 million a year in grants to more than 200 community organisations.

It also encourages Macquarie staff in their community activities, enabling the Bank to give its time and expertise, as well as its financial support.

Other Western Australian grants recently approved by the Macquarie Bank Foundation board include funding to the St Vincent de Paul Vincentcare program and the WA Division of the Australian Red Cross.

For photo opportunities, please contact:

Karen Boalch
Communications Manager
Macquarie Bank Foundation
Tel: (612) 8232 7339