In 2009/2010 the Sydney Community Foundation was proud to work with Australia Post on their annual Metro Small Grants Program, to provide ten small grants to some of Sydney's worthy organisations. The grants were used to fund wonderful projects by a diverse range of organisations who are working towards making Sydney a sustainable and inclusive community for all. The projects are coming to a close now with some inspirational results.
One of the grants was to fund the purchase of leotards for a small dance troupe named the Dance Oolites; a group of children and adolescents with varying disabilities. Melanie Coid, President and Artistic Director of the Dance Oolites thanked the SCF and Australia Post for their contribution. " The SCF and Australia Post's generosity has changed our world and opened the door of opportunity. Their gift to us, the beautiful stretch velvet leotards, paved the way for our first public performance at the Nepean Disability Expo in October 2010. The Leotards now form the foundation of our performance costumes and have the capacity to empower dancers, allowing them to shine brightly and dance confidently."
The Dance Oolites were created after the popularity of The Merrymakers - another SCF grant recipient - highlighted the desire for more of these specialty dance groups. This is just one of the stories that show the power of giving through the SCF.