Yarrawonga Mulwala Community and Learning Centre has received a major boost with the donation of a minibus from ClubMulwala.
The club is updating its courtesy bus fleet and decided that instead of selling or trading in the Toyota 13-seater, it would donate it to the non-profit centre which runs community programs, adult education and a Services Australia agency, among other activities.
YMCLC executive officer Julie-Anne Clarke said she was thrilled by the donation.
“It’s amazing. It will be a fantastic asset,” she said.
“It’s clearly been well looked after.
“It will allow us do so much in offering services around people with mental health difficulties, those in financial disadvantage and people in care in our community.”
Ms Clarke said bus hire had previously cost the group, which was formerly known as Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House, up to $2000 a week.
“It is going to save us an enormous amount of money,” she said.
The organisation acquired its first vehicle last year – an SUV – and now adds the bus which will help it provide services not just to the twin-towns but also outlying areas like Wilby and Tungamah.
ClubMulwala chief executive Alan Rowe handed over the keys to YMCLA last Wednesday.
“We are very proud to be in a position to hand over this courtesy bus to a great community organisation,” Mr Rowe said.
“It was bought brand new and has been maintained properly and is in pretty good nick.
“It reflects our community-minded mantra and hopefully YMCLC will get a number of good years out of it.”
The bus will initially be used for the YMCLC’s Shower Program which helps the homeless, many who live along the river, as well as Workforce Australia participants and long-term unemployed access a shower and hygiene products in town on Wednesdays and Fridays.