Last week, the Richmond Club rallied behind the garden vowing to give them $18,000 of much-needed assistance and on Monday, March 8, Allan Shearan MP, Member for Londonderry, presented Peter Ford, vice-chair of Hawkesbury Skills Inc, with a $10,000 cheque from the State government.

The $10,000 funding boost, will help the Hawkesbury Skills Inc’s disability support program, Food for Thought, to continue to provide services for people with disabilities in Western Sydney.

Mr Shearan said the Food for Thought’s Dig It garden provides a safe, enjoyable and educational place for people to meet and learn a variety of skills.

“This is far more than just your average plant shop,” Mr Shearan said.

“The Food for Thought program provides a stimulating and educational workplace experience and meaningful activities for local people with a disability.”

Peter Ford, vice-chair of Hawkesbury Skills Inc couldn’t be more thankful for the support they have received.

“We (Hawkesbury Skills and The Secret Garden) really appreciate the effort and support of Allan,” Mr Ford said.

“Allan has always been a strong supporter of us and for that we are truly grateful.”

Mr Ford said the $10,000 grant will help to maintain the success of the Food for Thought program.

“It’s going to help a great deal but we still need to keep going and keep fundraising,” he said.

Even with this grant and the generosity of the club we still need to gain long term funding and assistance, but we can’t thank everyone who has helped us enough, it means the world to us.”

Donations for The Secret Garden can be made in the donation tins located in the Richmond Club or by contacting Peter Ford

on 0432 408 664.