Two years of COVID restrictions and temporary closures has seen many Port Stephens charitable and not-for-profit organisations suffer significant financial losses, with a small percentage even forced to close their doors.
Fortunately, there remains a small number of community organisations which continue to distribute funds to worthwhile causes across the Port.
Salamander Bay Recycling is an independent, not-for-profit centre creating positive environmental outcomes and providing community support through local employment and grants.
While the centre has been impacted by the pandemic - the retail shop had to be temporarily closed for a period - it continues to ensure that a significant portion of its revenue is reinvested into the community through financial donations.
"We have very strong ties to the community and work tirelessly on engagement and assistance initiatives, whilst promoting environmental leadership and responsibility in recycling," said general manager Gerrard McClafferty.
"But our ongoing community initiatives can only be achieved because the people and visitors of Port Stephens have remained loyal and continued to use our services.
"Each year we hand out approximately $50,000 in grants to charities, schools and community organisations for projects that benefit the community."
Last week the recycling centre presented a cheque for $3000 to the Port Stephens chapter of the Men of League Foundation, the charitable arm of the rugby league fraternity which provides assistance and care to address health, social and wellbeing issues.
In accepting the funds, Port Stephens MoL president Chris Kelly said that every dollar raised through the foundation went into the welfare department, not into administration costs.
"We are very grateful for the donation which will allow us to continue the work we do assisting and supporting anyone with an affiliation with rugby league in Port Stephens who may require a helping hand," he said.
MoL secretary Peter Arnold said that the group had come to the attention of Salamander Bay Recycling through a relationship developed between the centre's board member Lizzy Ross and a former Bay footballer living in Anna Bay.
"MoL had been providing welfare support to the gentleman who had been diagnosed with cancer and put him in touch with Lizzy Ross, who is also an Anglican Deacon, during his final days. Lizzy was able to help him arrange his funeral service and see the firsthand the support provided by Men of League," Mr Arnold said.
More information on how to apply for a grant is available on the Salamander Bay Recycling website or by phoning (02) 4984 6244.
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