Fighting Winter Chills

THE Ballarat Foundation is helping combat the winter chills with a pilot program supporting primary school pupils during winter. Foundation chief executive officer Noel Trengove said while distributing Back to School Vouchers at the start of the year, there was a need for help throughout the year. ‘‘Such a need exists as we move into winter as there are children who do not have adequate and suitable clothing to protect them from the harsh winter cold and rain,’’ Mr Trengove said.

RUGGED UP: Canadian Lead Primary School pupil Chelsea Richards, with Ballarat Foundation CEO Noel Trengove . Chelsea shows how to keep warm as needy children will be able to do thanks to clothing vouchers provided to select local primary schools by the Ballarat Foundation . Picture: Ian WIlson.

Eight Ballarat schools are recipients of the program. Caledonian Primary School principal James Robertson said the vouchers would benefit pupils with the greatest need. ‘‘It’s important to give them the things they need so they can play outside and be comfortable,’’ he said. Mr Trengove said there was a limited number of vouchers, but hoped it would be a success. ‘‘Hopefully, with a successful outcome, we can convince backers to allocate serious funding for future years in the hope that the winter program will expand to be one of a similar size and be complimentary to the Back to School Voucher program,’’ he said.

Rotary Young Ambition is holding a trivia and auction night on July 25 with proceeds being directed to the Back to School Voucher program. For more information contact Sarah on 5331 9300.