Samuel Brett Nelson Kickstart Charity Inc will soon offer its intensive learn to swim program to Taree-based primary school students after taking out the inaugural round of the Greater Bank's #GreaterMidNorthCoast community funding program.
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Until now, the Forster-based charity has primarily offered programs to disadvantaged children in the Great Lakes, but thanks to the $2000 grant from the Greater Bank it will now be able to extend its reach further.
Nikki Nelson, who started the charity with her husband Steve after the death of their 10-year-old son Sam in 2017, said they had been wanting to expand their programs to Taree for some time and were looking forward to equipping children in the area with vital swimming skills.
"We are going to contact one of the schools and offer them the chance to do two terms of swimming lessons for children who can't swim a lap of the pool," Mrs Nelson said.
"We live in an area where water surrounds us, so if you can give kids the skills to be confident and safe around the water you're giving them everything."
Apart from intensive swimming lessons, the charity also funds guitar lessons for children with emotional needs, the Autism Skills Development program at Forster MMA, intensive school soccer programs and soccer academy scholarships.
The charity was one of three community organisations across the Mid North Coast nominated for the #GreaterMidNorthCoast community funding program, with the winner decided by public vote throughout the month of November.
It's not just us, it's a whole group of people who come together to make the charity what it is.
- Nikki Nelson
Mrs Nelson said it was heartwarming to receive so much support from the local community.
"I couldn't believe the numbers," she said.
"I think we won by 400 votes in the end."
The charity received a $500 donation from the Commonwealth Bank Forster Branch recently which will also be put towards the learn to swim program.
Mrs Nelson said it was great to tap into new sources of funding after relying largely on community support in the past.
She said the charity would continue to seek out grant opportunities in an effort to further expand the reach of its programs.
Mrs Nelson also pointed out that the work the charity did wouldn't be possible without the help of its many supporters.
"It's not just us, it's a whole group of people who come together to make the charity what it is," she said.
The #GreaterMidNorthCoast community funding program was launched in October as a way to support community groups and charities across the Mid North Coast.
Each month, the Greater Bank is giving community groups from Forster to Grafton the opportunity to share in $3000 by nominating to be part of the program.
Greater Bank is currently calling for nominations from Forster-based community groups for future funding rounds.
To nominate, visit greater.com.au/greatermidnorthcoast and explain in 100 words or less how your organisation is helping to improve the lives of locals.
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