Connecting Generations 'Adopt a Grandbuddy' is underway in regional NSW...!
The KIDS Foundation team travelled to Newcastle on Wednesday the 19th of May, for a long awaited COVID-Safe relaunch of the Connecting Generations program.
Children from Jesmond Early Education Centre welcomed their 'Grand-buddies' from Anglican Care's Scenic Lodge and formed a strong bond while sharing fun activities and knowledge about keeping themselves safe in various situations and environments.
With a generous $81,000 in funding support from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, the KIDS Foundation is able to match 65 early education childhood centres/groups with aged care facilities/groups throughout NSW to provide this program free of charge.
Our purpose is to help rewrite the future for vulnerable people within our community and Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has supported this program to help give a real sense of purpose to these elderly residents in Newcastle and their new grand-buddies.
Jennifer Leslie
Chair of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation
Connecting Generations is an extension of the KIDS Foundation’s SeeMore Safety program, an early year’s safety education program that focuses on learning through literature and real-life experiences.
The relaunch was attended by Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation representatives Executive Officer Graham Batten, Philanthropy Grants partnership co-ordinator Katie Sewell and Chairperson Jennifer Leslie and Board Director Jane Gray.
Lydia McGuigan from Kookaburra Educational Supplies and media representatives from NBN News, The Newcastle herald and Newcastle Weekly.
Watch the news story online
KIDS Foundation would like to extend a huge thank you to Karen and her wonderful staff at Jesmond Early Education Centre and Jane and Chrystine from Anglican Care for bringing the grandbuddies to the centre.
Everyone enjoyed the day and one 'grandbuddy' commented when leaving that it was the best day she has ever had. We are looking forward to hearing more about the program in the coming months.