Community is connected

Cathy Willmott from CISS and Maree Cullinan from Balla Balla. 129968_03 Picture: SHANNON MCBRIDE

By BRIDGET SCOTT

THE theme of community has rung true in Cranbourne, with donations exchanged between three of the town’s major support services.
The Cranbourne Information Support Service (CISS) has welcomed a $1000 cheque from the Balla Balla Community Centre which will go towards its back to school program (BTS).
Acting Executive Officer Cathy Willmott thanked the centre for the much needed donation.
The BTS was created in response to a number of low-income families in the Casey South region who may be battling with the expenses of their children’s education.
Cranbourne Information Support Service partnered with The Salvation Army Cranbourne and the R.E. Ross Trust has supported the program since 2008.
In most cases, BTS funds are used to assist families with costs of items such as non-voluntary fees, textbooks, calculators and more.
Ms Willmott said in this case, the $1000 would go towards school shoes.
“This is an essential item that is the last to be addressed and on the bottom of the list for parents,” she said.
“This will make an enormous difference.”
On the same note, Balla Balla also donated to the Christmas Day lunch held by both the Salvation Army and CISS.
This lunch helps people in the community who may experience financial hardship, social or family isolation or are otherwise in need of support.
The luncheon will be held from 11.30am – 2.30pm on Christmas Day – 25 December at the Cranbourne Salvation Army, 1 New Holland Drive, Cranbourne.