By Victoria Stone-Meadows
THE Casey Cardinia Foundation presented grants to nine worthy community groups across the two municipalities at an event in Narre Warren on Thursday 1 December.
Casey based community groups that received the boost in funding included The Cranbourne Uniting Church Food Truck, The Cranbourne-Casey Men’s shed, and Pearcedale based Beyond Disability.
The grants were awarded to organisations across the two municipalities that provide essential services and community strengthening.
The 2016 Casey Cardinia Foundation Grant recipients work to improve the lives of residents across the south-east.
Representatives from the organisations and board members of the foundation converged on the Waterman Business Centre in Narre Warren to participate in the event.
Foundation chairman Paul Thomas reflected on the work the charity has done over 13 years in supporting local groups and enhancing the communities of the Casey and Cardinia regions.
Grant recipients included church groups, council backed organisations, scout troops and other groups that are working hard for their local communities.
Each grant recipient spoke about how the grants from the foundation will improve their ability to serve, help and protect their communities through their ongoing work.
The other 2016 Casey Cardinia Community Grants recipients were: Pakenham Scouts, Garfield Scouts, Emerald Centre for Hope and Outreach, Connections Uniting Care, Communities That Care and St John Ambulance.
Over 13 years The Casey Cardinia Foundation has allocated about $443,000 to community groups in the Casey and Cardinia regions.