By Laura Michell
Hume councillor Geoff Porter has donated his old car in an effort to help make a difference to young people needing a helping hand.
Cr Porter donated his Ford Mondeo to charity Kids Under Cover, enabling the charity to sell the vehicle and use the proceeds to fund its programs.
Kids Under Cover builds studio apartments which are then used by young people at risk of homelessness or turning their backs on education.
Kids Under Cover chief executive Jo Swift said donations such as Cr Porter’s helped at-risk young people stay connected to their families and education.
“Independent evaluations show that for every dollar invested in a Kids Under Cover studio, on average $4.17 is saved by society in the form of reduced health and justice costs, and flow-on economic benefits. And, most importantly, a young person is no longer at risk of becoming homeless and is now living in secure and stable accommodation,” she said.
Cr Porter said it was heartwarming to know his car will make a difference in the lives of young people.
“The early and practical assistance Kids Under Cover provides is the key to helping young people stay on a positive path,” he said.
“Disposing of old vehicles can be a hassle but it is important to remember it is illegal to leave unregistered vehicles out on the street.
“When an unregistered vehicle is reported to council, officers promote the donation of the vehicle to Kids Under Cover as one way to easily remove unwanted vehicles with the added benefit of helping a very worthy cause.”
To donate a vehicle, visit www.kuc.org.au
