In Mach 2025 Alan Hoffmann (GrandCarers WA Association, Chair) was the guest speaker at our Rotary club meeting.  He advised us of the changes that have occurred and how much this support group has grown in the Southwest of WA.  

One of the things he said that resonated with me - was how difficult the transition to Senior school was for this group.  Having to go to a new school and make new friends with second hand uniforms, books and /or inadequate stationary made them feel different and therefore open to derision. From this we commenced planning for the:

Advanced Education Awards for Grandchildren being raised by Grandparents

The Rotary Club of Osborne Park, in partnership with Rotary Australia World Community Services (RAWCS) and GrandCarers Western Australia, established a targeted education project raising money for children being raised by their grandparents and other extended family members.  For many grandparent carers, the financial costs of raising children come at a time when their own personal incomes are fixed and do not easily allow for supporting dependents. The advanced education project intends to support identified children within the Grand Carers program with the purchase of educational items such as school uniforms, books, computer resources, and/or stationary, by providing each child with a $1,000 donation.

Applications were made to a wide range of philanthropic trusts.  The Stan Perron Foundation and Dalkeith Rotary Charitable Trust accepted our application and have become our major donors.  Support has also been provided by individual Rotarians and other community groups.