Footballers put their green thumbs into training
21 March 2006
Over forty St Mary’s Sports Club footballers are taking part in a team building exercise with a difference. The St Mary’s seniors will spend a day (Saturday 25 March) doing garden makeovers at four Karingal properties at East Geelong, St Albans Park and Breakwater.
Football Manager of the St Mary’s Football and Netball Club Basil Macula said that this was important part of the clubs community work program to get involved in worthwhile projects. He contacted Bac-Links (Business and Community Links) who quickly found a suitable and much-needed project the footballers could do.
“Each year we get our players involved in community work that also gives them the opportunity to bond as a team. This year we are very happy to be working alongside Karingal, an organisation that provides such a valuable and important service to Geelong,” said Basil.
The residential properties are home to Karingal clients, all of whom have either a physical or intellectual disability. Karingal Facility Services Manager Rob Hosie said that staff do maintain the gardens but their work load does not allow time for larger works.
”This offer of assistance from St Mary’s Football Club was a wonderful opportunity to help create a better environment for clients. The gardens at all these four properties are currently in fairly poor condition, so we are grateful and welcome the football club and their team of ‘workers’,” said Rob.
The footballers will be removing old shrubs and trees, pruning and preparing garden beds. The emphasis will be on creating water wise, low maintenance gardens. Karingal will be providing all materials and plants for the makeover.
Karingal has a total of 23 residential facilities across Geelong and Ocean Grove.
The four properties being overhauled on Saturday 25 March are:
• 43 Denman Street, East Geelong
• 15 Boyne Ave, East Geelong
• 263 Wilson Rd, St Albans Park
• 151 St Albans Rd, Breakwater
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Further information contact: Helen Kostiuk, PR & Communications Manager 0413 754 606