Wallarano Primary School students will beat the heat this summer thanks to a Greyhound Community Fund grant.
Last October the school received $3000 for entertainment at its fete from the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club and Greyhounds Entertainment initiative.
Fund-raising co-ordinator Debra Arztenhofer said the fete raised enough money to allow the school to provide air-conditioning in its new buildings.
“In the past if we had three or four hot days in a row the heat wouldn’t dissipate and it would just get hotter and hotter as the day wore on,” she said.
“It wasn’t very good for the children and their learning because they were so hot from the moment they arrived and couldn’t keep their attention.
“It was so bad at times that there were parents who would pick their kids up at lunch time because it was just too hot.
“Now the rooms are much more comfortable, which obviously greatly benefits the children and staff.”
Sandown Greyhound Racing Club chairman Geoff Dawson toured the school and said it was a very impressive facility.
“We are happy to be able to provide assistance to the school community and we’re glad that it has made a real difference for the kids,” he said.
Cash from the Greyhound Community Fund is available to non-profit organisations that provide health, recreation and community events that benefit Greater Dandenong.
Other organisations that have so far received funding include Rotary Club of Noble Park, Multiple Sclerosis, Springvale Learning and Activity Centre (SLAC), Dandenong West Community Hub, 3rd Noble Park Scout Group, Keysborough Cricket Club and South Eastern Legacy Group.
Applications for grants between $250 and $20,000 are now open. Visit www.sandowngreyhounds.com.au/greyhound-community-fund for details or call Tammy on 9546 9511.
