Media Release

06 April 2023

A collaboration between Hands Across Canberra and Canberra-based business A+P Leemhuis Builders has awarded several local projects with a total of $100,000 in grant funding to community organisations that support people who experience economic and social disadvantage.

“Hands Across Canberra is honoured to be a conduit between generous Canberra-based businesses and those residents in need throughout our region,” Hands Across Canberra CEO Peter Gordon said.

“As the community foundation for Canberra, we are very aware of needs throughout our region. While these grants presented will provide some immediate assistance, the need continues to grow, and we encourage more businesses to engage and give where they earn.”

The inaugural grant round received a total of 40 grant applications.

“The work proposed by the community organisations for these grants is inspiring,” The A + P Leemhuis Builders Director Darrell Leemhuis said.

“We are excited to play a part and see communities build and grow their work. We hope that we learn from these community investments and together, in partnership with Hands Across Canberra and the Canberra community, work to support the organisations that are assisting vulnerable community members.”

The projects funded in this grant round are located across the ACT and include support to food pantries, purchase of equipment and fit-out activities that support service delivery. The grants could be up to $5,000.

“We are delighted to support organisations respond to the relief and capital needs of Canberra’s communities and do our part in supporting the communities we live and work in to achieve more.” Darrell Leemhuis said.

One of the organisations supported by the grant round is Woden Community Services, which works to provide services across all age groups and throughout the community, from early learning to aged care services, supporting mental health and wellbeing, responding to homelessness, assisting those living with a disability, working with families and young people, engaging communities while supporting those who are vulnerable. WCS received $5,000 to fit out The Community Hub with flexible, multi-functional equipment that can serve various demographics and purposes, including a sensory zone to support neurodiverse people attending the site.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this grant. The Community Hub will be used for community-based and WCS programs supporting marginalised and socially disadvantaged people. The Community Hub will be easy to access and provide support to the wider Woden community and ease of access to a range of nearby services,” WCS CEO Jenny Kitchin said.

“It is expected that the new space will become an open community asset to which community groups may also be able to access. It will be an asset to service the whole community and a place for connection and support.”

“It is also great to see Canberra businesses supporting the community.”

Media contacts:

Peter Gordon, CEO HAC – 0428 432 621