| Capital Glass and Holmesglen TAFE give support to Caitlin's Retreat |
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Since the site manager moved on site, Caitlin’s Retreat has been a constant hub of activity, and the generosity shown by the greater community in support of this new project has been welcomed immensely. Caitlin’s Retreat currently has one existing onsite building which will initially be used to accommodate one family for up to four days, with a plan to expand capacity over the next two years. However, before Caitlin’s Retreat can open, significant retrofitting is required to make the property suitable for special needs children and their families. Creating a safe and hazard free environment is pivotal to the design of Caitlin’s Retreat, and Capital Glass in conjunction with Holmesglen TAFE have assisted us greatly in one of the major projects that was necessary to achieve such an environment. Capital Glass was only too happy to help out with the project and donated all the laminate safety glass required, which was then retrofitted by 9 glass and glazing apprentices and two teachers from Holmesglen TAFE. “The building itself was built some time ago and the existing windows do not meet the relevant safety standards. All it takes is a bit of overexcitement and a child could be seriously injured by bumping into the glass. We have supplied two different types of laminate glass to ensure maximum safety.” says Capital Glass spokesperson Tony Currie. The apprentices spent three days removing the existing glass and fitting new windows made from Grade A Safety glass. Our thanks to both Capital Glass and the students and teachers from Holmesglen TAFE that were involved in this project, your support has led us one step closer to creating this very special place. Caitlin’s Retreat will be Melbourne’s first metropolitan nature based facility for families with special needs children, and will incorporate permaculture principles within the garden design and an awareness program which will promote environmental sustainability. Other terrific contributions have been in the form of volunteer labour: ExxonMobil through their Day of Caring, MWH, St George Bank – what a difference a crew of people can make! Set to open in early 2009, once fully operational the retreat will be accessible by up to 200 families per year, with day visit activities offered to a further 3,000 people. Families staying at Caitlin’s Retreat will be selected through our service providers with a focus on those with disability and chronic illness in their early childhood. People & Parks Foundation is seeking sponsorship, donations and in-kind support to assist in the development of Caitlin's Retreat. Sponsorship opportunities:Within the program, naming rights are available for projects such as:
Giving opportunities:You can provide support through workplace giving, one-off donations or in kind services. We have many projects that need your assistance, such as:
Donations made to the People and Parks Foundation of $2 or more, in cash or tradeable goods, are tax deductible. Please contact the People and Parks Foundation on 8627 4890 or email info@peopleandparks.org to discuss giving opportunities further. To donate now, click here! |
