A local charity transforming the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Perth, has received a welcome boost with a P&N Bank Helping &nds grant. On My Feet was founded in Fremantle to provide vulnerable people with the ability to develop and transition to self-sufficiency through running, while connecting them with employment opportunities.
The grant comes at a time of both increased need for services and reduced fundraising opportunities for the organisation.
On My Feet Executive Director Ayden Doohan (pictured with P&N Bank's Bryn McCarthy) said that every dollar counts and the P&N Bank Helping &nds grant will turn one more vulnerable West Australian’s life around.
“Like many others, COVID-19 has impacted our organisation from a funding perspective. The impact of COVID-19 has also been hardest felt by those at risk or dealing with homelessness in our community, creating a greater need for our transformative programs,” Ayden said.
“There are now over 925,000 people unemployed in Australia – the highest number since 1993.
“We aren’t creating champion athletes; we provide the support for homeless people to discover their inner champion by building self-respect, a sense of purpose and ultimately self-sufficiency through education, employment and exercise.
“The funds provided by P&N Bank will help cover the cost to transition vulnerable West Australians to self-sufficiency through education, employment and exercise as part of On My Feet’s 2020 Footsteps Program in Perth.”
The Footsteps Program is a six-month self-development program involving weekly workshops and training sessions with the aim of becoming job ready, employed, independent and healthier.
P&N Bank Perth Branch Manager Kyle Salomone said the Helping &nds program is all about supporting those in our community who need it the most.
“We know that it is more important than ever to provide financial assistance to community organisations like On My Feet, who are making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable West Australians,” Kyle said.
“This is why P&N Bank exists - to enrich the lives of our customers and the local communities in which they live.”
P&N Bank members can nominate individuals in need for a Helping &nds grant at any time during the year.