By Ewen McRae
A Sunshine refugee program has received a Christmas boost, with a $10,000 grant to help expand its services in the west.
The Refugee Migrant Children Centre aims to minimise disadvantage among refugee and migrant children aged from five to 18, as well as enabling independence and a sense of belonging through its mentoring programs.
It was one of 50 organisations across the state to receive grants through the Westpac Foundation Community Grants program.
Centre founder and chief executive, Alice Wojcik, said the money would go towards ensuring more young people in the west had access to services.
“Westpac Foundation’s grant towards our mentoring programs for recently resettled high school-aged youth has enabled us to empower 20 more kids across Melbourne’s west,” Ms Wojcik said. “This support ensures kids that now call Melbourne home are given the support they need to reach their full potential.”
Westpac regional general manager for Melbourne’s west, John Pelich, said the grants will help local organisations that are working to create a more vibrant and inclusive community.
“We have a long history of helping in our local communities,” Mr Pelich said.
“We are proud to continue this through the Community Grants program.”
