St George Illawarra Dragons Captain Ben Creagh and international winger Brett Morris on Friday “turned the first soil” in the development of ‘Luke’s Place’ – an inclusive playspace for children in the Illawarra.
The establishment of this playground was made possible by a $25,000 grant from St George Foundation, one of the Dragons official charity partners, to the Touched by Olivia Foundation who have built a similar playspace for children in North Rocks, Sydney.
Creagh, who became a father for the first time this week was proud to be associated with the playspace and today’s activities.
“Becoming a father certainly makes you more aware of the needs of children and I am really proud to be associated with a playground such as this,” said Creagh.
“It is a fantastic initiative by St George Foundation and the touched by Olivia Foundation and something that will greatly benefit children in the Illawarra.
Morris, a father himself was also happy to be involved with the local playspace that is scheduled to be completed in April.
“It was great to come here today and truly understand what this will all mean and how it will benefit children in the the local area like Luke,” said Morris.
“I have a little girl of my own and can appreciate the happiness and joy that places like this bring to kids and I looked forward to seeing it when it is completed”.
St.George Foundation CEO, Leona Fell said “we are so excited to donate to a wonderful organisation who work tirelessly at creating public spaces that invite kids with differences to play side by side with all of their community.”
“All dontaions collected at the 31th annual Charity Shield will be put towards helping more smaller charities in need, just like this one.”
St George Foundation is a charity partner of the St George Illawarra Dragons and they will be represented on the front of the Dragons jersey in the 31st Charity Shield between the Dragons and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Saturday, February 22.
St.George Foundation was established by St.George Bank in 1990.
Since that time, it has partnered with more than 700 community organisations across Australia to invest more than $19 million to improve the lives of Australian children who are physically, socially or economically disadvantaged.
For more information on apply for grants or to make a donation visit www.stgeorgefoundtion.com.au
