The Honda Foundation Donates To Canberra-Based Koolamon Fellowship

CANBERRA – June 30, 2010: Canberra based community organisation Koolamon Fellowship, will benefit from a $7,000 donation from The Honda Foundation and Capital Honda in the ACT.

Established in 2004 and working in the southern region of Canberra, Koolamon provides shelter for men who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Often these men are homeless as a result of divorce or separation, drug or alcohol addiction or their negative economic situation.

The donation will be used to undertake renovations which will see the facility able to accommodate more people in need.

“The works that we were able to complete with the generous donation from The Honda Foundation will make a real difference in our community,” said Dr. Tim O’Neill, President of the Koolamon Fellowship.

“With the help of The Honda Foundation we now have the capacity to assist up to an additional six clients per year, which will significantly impact lives,” Dr. O’Neill said.

Koolamon’s two shelters provide rehabilitation for men, based on a 12 step program. Residents stay for an initial two month intensive program and are then encouraged and assisted to re-enter the workforce. The maximum length of stay for any resident is 12 months.

“We are a privately funded local charity and the valuable work that we do in helping those in need transform their lives would not be possible without the support of fantastic organisations like The Honda Foundation,” Dr. O’Neill said.

Chairman of The Honda Foundation, Mr. Lindsay Smalley, says it is vital to support organisations like Koolamon who perform important work in the community.

“The work of the Koolamon Fellowship provides for men who have, or are at risk of, slipping through the cracks of society. The dedication by the staff and volunteers assists these men to realise they are not alone and can once again contribute to society in a meaningful way.

“The Foundation commends the work of Koolamon and is pleased to support its application,” Mr. Smalley said.

The Honda Foundation aims to provide assistance to local communities and foster goodwill among Honda Australia, Honda Motor Vehicle Dealers and the public. It draws funding from Honda Dealers and Honda Australia, who donate $15 ($5 and $10 respectively) for every Honda car sold.

For more information on The Honda Foundation and the organisations it supports, please visit www.hondafoundation.org.au