THE Night Ninjas, a not-for-profit that provides support for the homeless and struggling in the Redland’s community, has been awarded a $10,000 Centenary Grant from the Commonwealth Bank Capalaba branch in recognition of the much needed services it provides to the community.
The organisation is one of 1000 organisations across the country to receive this grant this summer.
Founder Alix Russo said the money would be used towards food, blessing bags and assist towards the ultimate goal of creating a drop-in centre.
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She said Night Ninjas worked with other organisations inlcuding Bay Island Community Services, Yulu-Burri-Ba and Champion and the Salvation Army churches to help the homeless and struggling families as a one of a kind Queensland emergency service.
The grant will go towards opening a drop-in centre that will provide those in need with shower and washing facilities.
“Our focus is on support and empowerment,” she said.
“There are a lot of people struggling out there who just live from pay cheque to pay cheque.”
She said the centre could help anyone needing help.’
“It might be a single Dad who gets sick and needs a hand, it might be providing the homeless with pen, paper, towels, socks and backpacks, it might be helping someone on parole fill out forms so he can get paid and not steal food,” she said.
According to new CommBank research, customers across the nation collectively donate an average $1.6 million every day to charities.
In light of this and in celebration of the CommBank’s 100-year legacy, the bank will donate a total of $10 million to 1000 community organisations in 2018.
Funding for the Centenary Grants program is being provided by the CommBank Foundation’s employee giving program, which has been supporting Australians in need since 1917.
More than 13,000 current and retired bank employees donate a portion of their income to the program, with each contribution matched dollar-for-dollar by the bank.
The inspiring and far reaching impact of the work undertaken by Night Ninjas Inc. was a crucial factor in it receiving the grant.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support organisations like the Night Ninjas Inc. in the important work they do for our local community,” Commonwealth Bank Capalaba branch manager, Rebecca Monk said.
“It’s especially meaningful that we are able to celebrate 100 years of employee giving, by nominating an organisation to receive a Centenary Grant in our local community.”
