Sophie Conlon
South East Street Machines is making donations to local charity groups in the hopes of making life a little brighter for those who need a hand.
Street Machines treasurer Jason Spehr said they had hosted a successful Show’n’Shine event in October and had raised enough money to cover expenses and make several significant donations to local groups.
“It was on the condition that all the money stayed locally in Mount Gambier, we didn’t want it to go to the city somewhere,” he said.
Each charity was chosen at a committee meeting and they all were close to the values of the club and its people.
Mr Spehr said the first charity to receive a donation, Ruby’s Reunification, meant a great deal to him and his family having used the service.
“I wanted to make sure they were on the list of organisations to get some money,” he said.
Receiving a $1000 donation, Ruby’s senior coordinator Sharon Gray said she was incredibly thankful.
“For Ruby’s, it’s wonderful to be recognised for the work that we do in the local community, and we’re extremely grateful to be considered amongst some amazing services that the South East Street Machines have chosen,” she said.
“Once you become part of the Ruby’s family, you’re always part of the Ruby’s family – and Jason and his beautiful family are testament that we’re here for them no matter what, and so this is a beautiful way for them to show that what we’ve done for them is equally good for them as it has been for us.”
Ruby’s councillor Lynne Kain said it was an extremely generous donation and it would be put to good use.
Ms Gray said the money would be put towards helping current families in the service and would help make Christmas a little bit brighter.
“We’re currently supporting quite a number of people locally in the community and so this way we can improve some of the things we have here in the service, which goes back to supporting families,” she said.
“The money will be very carefully utilised to the best benefit for the people that we support.”
Street Machines president Jim Coombe said they were able to give out $1000 to six charities as they had not used all of the previous year’s budget.
“We decided to do a big budget this year and we chose six local charities, the only one that isn’t exactly local is the Royal Flying Doctor’s, but we always try to support that,” he said.
“We’re giving back to the people who give to us.”
