A helping hand

Disadvantaged South Austrlaian children and babies, and orphaned kangaroos are just some of the recipients that will benefit from the lastest round of RAA's Grassroots Giving program.

Words: John Pedler

Orphaned roo rescue

“This donation is hugely impactful and enables us to continue the work we’re doing,” says Adelaide Hills Kangaroo Rescue (AHKR) director Linda White (pictured right).

The wildlife rescue service, which rehabilitates injured and orphaned kangaroos often found on the roadside, is just one of this year’s RAA Grassroots Giving recipients.

The Grassroots Giving program provides grants to community groups involved in a variety of areas, including community safety, helping vulnerable South Australians, youth development and environmental sustainability.

Since its launch in 2019, the program has contributed nearly half a million dollars to more than 90 organisations striving to improve the lives of South Aussies.

Linda says the Macclesfield-based not-for-profit needs funding to build an extended rehabilitation area to support the growing number of orphaned joeys rescued in South Australia.

“As urban expansion and regional travel increase, wildlife-vehicle collisions are becoming more frequent on country roads,” Linda says.

The kangaroo rescue team also supports motorists, who often feel distressed after hitting a kangaroo.

“We offer a trusted point of contact, and reassurance that help is available,” Linda says.

AHKR receives about 250 call-outs a year, and the new enclosure will allow more room for the organisation to accept young kangaroos.

The enclosure will provide a safe, natural environment for joeys to build strength and socialise, until they’re ready for release into sanctuary care.

“We value working with good organisations like RAA who support local causes, as well as safety on country roads,” Linda says.

Visit AHKR’s Facebook or Instagram page to find out more about how the organisation takes care of South Australian wildlife.

Box of treasures for the littlies

Treasure Boxes is another SA not-for-profit organisation to receive a Grassroots Giving grant this year.

The Edwardstown-based charity helps disadvantaged children and babies by providing essential items, including clothes, warm bedding, cots, car seats, nappies and feeding equipment.

Treasure Boxes CEO Gena Notley (pictured) explains there’s always a need for cots and mattresses, and it’s a struggle to meet the high demand with donated items.

“Grassroots funding enabled us to purchase 30 new baby cots for families in crisis,” Gena says.

“These families would be facing the unimaginable challenge of not having a safe place for their babies to sleep without this support.”

Gena says every cot delivered is a message to a parent that they’re not forgotten, and that their child matters.

“It provides emotional relief for parents, practical support for over-stretched social workers, and inspiration to our volunteers,” she says.

“Many of our recipients experience severe financial hardship, have fled domestic violence households, or they’re new arrivals who’ve reached Australia with only the clothes on their backs.

“For a small organisation like ours, this grant is both validation and encouragement, and gives us the capacity to meet an urgent and growing need.”

Visit treasureboxes.org.au to learn more about Treasure Boxes and how you can get involved.