By JESSE GRAHAM
A DONATION has helped the Yarra Glen and District Men’s Shed recover from two burglaries earlier this year, in the fifth donation from the Yarra Glen Grand Hotel.
On Sunday, 6 December, Grand Hotel owner Craig Barnett donated $1500 to the Men’s Shed at a Christmas function for the men’s shed, which was held at the venue.
Vice-president Ross Ward said the donation would go towards the insurance excess costs the Men’s Shed incurred as a result of being burgled twice in October.
In the burglaries, power tools and a safe were stolen from the shed, though Mr Ward said security had since been “beefed-up”.
“We’ve beefed-up security with alarms, cameras and what have you, and different locks and doors – that’s all been taken care of,” he said.
Though the shed was still waiting for replacement tools, being organised by their insurance company, he said the group had been working on Christmas decorations for about 20 businesses in the town.
He said the donation was “very generous”, and that the shed had been well-supported by the businesses and residents in town.
“From the best of my understanding, the Men’s Shed as an organisation is very well-regarded in Yarra Glen by the traders and the Chamber of Commerce,” he said.
“They all help to provide essential supplies, so it’s a very friendly relationship, us and the town, really.
“We have had considerable community support, following the loss of tools and equipment in the two burglaries this year, and this donation is an outstanding example of that community spirit.”
The donation is the fifth from the hotel, which raises money through Friday night raffles.
Other recipients include the Yarra Glen CFA, RSL, Primary School and Living and Learning Centre.
The Yarra Glen Grand Hotel’s raffles are held between 5pm-7pm on Friday nights.
For more information, visit www.yarravalleygrand.com.au or call 9730 1230.
