Released 25/07/2017
Boundless Playground, Hands Across Canberra and Hartley Lifecare were presented with their share of the proceeds from the Deakin Charity House project by Minister for Urban Renewal Mick Gentleman today.
The auction of the two charity houses, which were built at discounted rates by MBA members on blocks of land donated by the ACT Government, raised more than $2 million for Canberra charities. The donation will be given to Hands Across Canberra, which will distribute funds to charities selected by the Master Builders Association and the ACT Government.
In a ceremony today, Minister Gentleman joined MBA chief executive Kirk Coningham to present a cheque to Hands Across Canberra and to congratulate the charities on their share of the auction proceeds.
“It is wonderful to be able to make this contribution to these outstanding organisations,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Each of these groups, in its own way, helps improve the lives of Canberrans every day. I am looking forward to seeing the difference these funds can make for members of our community when put to good use.
“Each of these groups, in its own way, helps improve the lives of Canberrans every day. I am looking forward to seeing the difference these funds can make for members of our community when put to good use.
“The donation to Boundless Canberra will be used for construction of stage two of the all-abilities park on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin. It will enable Boundless to finish the construction of the playground and complete two final modules - a giant slide and a sensory garden - as well as additional seating and shade and some other play elements.
“Hartley Lifecare will use its donation towards rebuilding and refurbishing properties for people with physical and complex disabilities.
“Hands Across Canberra will use its funds to support more than 150 small charities across the Canberra region.”
“This is the third time the Government has partnered with the MBA on a charity house project, and this outstanding result shows what can be achieved for the ACT community when we work together for a good cause.
“I would again like to thank companies and individuals who contributed to this fantastic result, especially the project’s principal builder, Andrew Kerec, of Renaissance Homes, who all helped make this ambitious charity project a reality,” Minister Gentleman said.
Funds from the auction of the two charity houses, built on blocks of land donated by the ACT Government, had been originally intended to be shared between Boundless Playground, Hands Across Canberra and Hartley Lifecare.
However, due to a higher than expected auction result, Boundless Playground requested some of its share be distributed to other charities. As a result, Hands Across Canberra and Hartley Lifecare received an increased share while the Salvation Army, Uniting Care, Early Morning Centre, St Vincent de Paul, Everyman and Ozhelp were each chosen to share the remaining funds.
Charity House proceeds recipients:
- Boundless Children’s Playground $1,133,000.00
- Hands Across Canberra $412,000.02
- Hartley Lifecare $309,000.00
- Early Morning Centre $34,333.33
- Salvation Army $34,333.33
- Uniting Care $34,333.33
- St Vincent De Paul Society $34,333.33
- Ozhelp $34,333.33
- Everyman $34,333.33
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases