## Righteous Pups 

The Foundation has supported a two- year grant with Bendigo-based Righteous Pups Australia (RPA). RPA train and place Autism Assistance Dogs with children living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Each Autism Assistance Dog assists their child, when needed, by: 

• interrupting repetitive behaviours that stimulate a behavioural meltdown 

• tracking their child should they wander off and become lost 

• act as a natural buffer for anxiety and stress 

Our partnership will cover the funding and training of the ‘i’ litter of pups to enter the training program. The training program supports each pup through their journey from pup to placement (an 18 month to 2 years period). 

Grant $76,250 

## Reclink Australia 

Reclink Australia is committed to serve its member organisations through the provision of sport and arts activities to enhance the lives of disadvantaged people. The Foundation supports three Reclink Australia programs. 

Grant $345,000 

• Networks:  a collaborative community approach towards providing a range of sport and arts programs to improve the health, wellbeing of individuals. 

• Transformational Links:  bridging the gap for individuals, turning their plans to integrate into the community a reality. 

## • National Football League: 

the Foundation supported seven organised Australian Rules Football Leagues involving more than 40 teams across Australia. Each team is supported by the Reclink Australia member agencies, community volunteers and some teams are coached/supported by the local police. In the 2011 season, in excess of 1,500 participants participated in the League with more than 200 matches played. 

## Wesley Mission 

Wesley Mission was established  in 1893 in response to the severe economic depression and associated inner city poverty. ‘A Day in the Sun’ is part of Wesley’s strategy to provide positive lifestyle choices that aim to enrich and fulfil ageing individuals’ lives by giving them the opportunity to achieve one last wish. 

Grant $27,700 

## Yooralla 

Steppin’ Out is a specialised Yooralla day service for adults with disabilities. The clientele at this service all have behaviours of concern, are non-verbal, autistic and have other multiple intellectual disabilities and some have minor physical disabilities. Their cognitive level is very low. The Foundation supports the semi-retirement day program. 

Grant $90,000 

## Summary 

Additionally, during 2010-11 the IOOF Foundation made grants to support the activities of a number of very worthy Australian organisations. These included: 

• Berry Street 

• Huntingtons Queensland 

• Immune Deficiencies Foundation 

• LiveFree – Teen Challenge 

• Lynden Aged Care 

• Motor Neurone Disease 

• Pathways 

• Robinson House 

• St Kilda Youth Services 

• Urban Seed 

• Whitelion 

• Zoos Victoria 

The IOOF Foundation Board of Trustees continues to meet regularly to review applications, approve funding of grants and to ensure that the Foundation’s critical community work is continued into the future. 

## Get in touch 

If you are interested in making a donation to the IOOF Foundation or would like further information on the foundation’s ongoing work, visit the website www.iooffoundation.org.au 

