By Jesse Graham
YARRA Glen’s kindergarten will be one step closer to renovating its entrance, following a $1000 donation from the town’s pub.
On Tuesday, 15 November, Yarra Glen Grand Hotel owner Craig Barnett visited the Yarra Glen Pre-School to present a $1000 cheque to teacher Belinda Hudson.
The donation came as a result of the pub’s weekly Friday night raffle, where profits are saved up until a $1000 cheque can be given to an organisation or group in town.
Ms Hudson said the money would go towards renovating the foyer of the pre-school, allowing for easier access for visitors.
“We’ve got the vision of putting an extra three metres on, making it more accessible to families who are coming in with prams, and the disabled,” she said.
“We do have parents’ days and grandparents’ days and those sorts of things, (but) we don’t actually have disability access, really.
“It’s something that the kinder’s looking at, because we haven’t done any renovations in that respect for over 16 years.”
Ms Hudson said the pre-school was “absolutely rapt” with the donation, which they said came out of the blue.
Mr Barnett said there had been plenty of “community involvement” in the raffles, where tickets are purchased for $2 and a meat tray, venue voucher and six pack of beer are on offer.
A local’s draw is also held on the night, which jackpots if the recipient is not present – he said the jackpot was now up to $1200.
“The locals are supporting the hotel, and in turn, I support local communities,” Mr Barnett said.
The Yarra Glen Primary School, RSL, CFA, Men’s Shed and tennis club are among the recipients of donations thus far.
For more information, visit www.yarravalleygrand.com.au between 6-7pm on Fridays, or call 9730 1230.
