South West Community Foundation
The South West Community Foundation Fund, set up to support community projects through a perpetuity fund, is well on its way to meeting a $500,000 target by the end of 2007.
Recent donations of $20,000 per year for three years from Pauline Vukelic of Vukelic Holdings and a second $70,000 contribution from Dale Alcock Homes South West manager Graham Teede has boosted the fund to $320,000.
“The reason we have donated to the South West Community Foundation is because the fund doesn’t just meet one need, but will assist community needs on an ongoing basis,” Mr Teede said.
“Because the fund is held in perpetuity, with proceeds being used to provide community assistance, you know the money you give is going to keep on working.”
Ms Vukelic said as an individual and a business person she had benefited from living in the South West and the fund was a way of giving back.
“I think this community development fund is a unique way of giving back because of the lasting impact your contribution has,” she said.
Earnings from the fund will be used to support community efforts and projects.
A South West advisory committee has been set up to make recommendations on what projects should be supported by the fund.
South West Community Foundation inaugural chairman Jon Birch said local people interested in the community had an opportunity to be part of the advisory committee.
He said the response to the foundation fund exceeded expectations, having only been kicked off earlier this year with a $100,000 contribution from the State Government through the South West Development Commission.
The foundation worked in partnership with the WA Community Foundation.
For more information on the South West Community Foundation log on to www.swcf.org.au