ARARAT based manufacturer AME Systems has pitched with a substantial donation towards the purchase of an inflatable water park for the regions youth.
YANG (Yarrimabiack and Northern Grampians) Blue Light is trying to raise $55,000 to purchase the inflatable water park to take to youth based events around the region.
YANG covers a massive region which incorporates Ararat Rural City, Northern Grampians Shire and Yarriambiack Shire.
Sergeant Shane Allgood said the waterpark will be used to enhance connection and positive engagement between youth and the community.
“We sent the YANG waterpark proposal to a number of businesses including AME for their consideration and to see if there may be an avenue to work together. AME quickly replied with a donation of $5,000 which completely blew us away,” he said.
Sergeant Allgood said the waterpark will be used for events to promote inclusion and mental health amongst young people in the district.
“It will strengthen relationships between youth and key Blue Light Victoria partners including Victoria Police, emergency services and other key stakeholders,” he said.
“Considering the current difficult economic climate due to, amongst other things, COVID, it (the AME donation) was totally above and beyond anything we expected,” Sergeant Allgood said.
“Without AME quickly jumping on board I suspect we would be no where near our current target of around $55,000,” he said.
We hope to have more funding announcements to follow in the very near future.
Anyone wishing to be involved can contact Shane Allgood or Toni Chegwin at the Ararat Police Station on 5355 1500.