By YASEMIN TALAT
IT’S the community donation program with a difference.
The team at Grill’d restaurant at Watergardens Shopping Centre each month supports three local community groups.
Every month $500 is given back to the community through the restaurant’s ‘Local Matters’ program.
“We’re trying to do our small part to help local groups,” said business manager of Grill’d Watergardens Kevin Suckling.
Community and not-for-profit groups can apply online to be part of the program, with three groups chosen each month to be represented on a jar in the restaurant.
When customers buy a burger they are given a token to put into the jar of the group they would like to support.
The group with the most tokens receives $300 at the end of each month, with the other groups each receiving $100.
Last month, the non-profit organisation ‘Autism Angels’, who advocate for and support families and children living with autism, collected the most tokens. President of Autism Angels Christos Havelas was very appreciative of the support.
“It’s fantastic to see an establishment like that who helps community organisations like ours and others as well,” Mr Havelas said.
“The money they raised for us, no matter how much it is, we are excited and happy that it will help the group go a bit further,” he said.
Mr Havelas thanked Grill’d and its patrons for all the support.
Austim Angels will use the donation towards group activities including an autism awareness event the ‘Teddy Bears Picnic’ on April 6 at Harvey Lagoon Reserve in Keilor from 11am, which the community is invited to attend.
For more information visit: www.autismangels.org.au
