Canon Oceania has announced the winners of its 2022 Grants Program, recognising five organisations throughout Australia that are paving the way towards a better future for their local communities.
Over the last 16 years, Canon Oceania has supported more than 80 schools, not-for-profits and community groups with over $450,000 in monetary and product support. In 2022, the Grants program saw the introduction of a new category specifically designed to support the recovery of flood-affected businesses and community organisations.
The program provides each grant recipient with $5,000 worth of cash and Canon products ($2,500 cash and $2,500 in Canon product), ranging from cameras to printers and other accessories.
“The Canon Oceania Grants program continues to be inspired by organisations that are focused on making a positive contribution to society, despite the tough economic and personal circumstances many Australians face today,” Canon Oceania managing director, Kotaro Fukushima said.
“We’re proud to call out just a few of these organisations today and present them with Canon product and monetary support that will help them continue to thrive in their local communities.”
Australian winners
Community: Ginger Snaps (feature image)
GingerSnap Patisserie is a social enterprise that creates plant-based desserts to celebrate the potential of people with disability and create opportunities for more people with disability to share their stories. The grant will be used to capture content for GingerSnap’s social channels and provide employment for people with disability who have photography skills.
Education: Kamaruka School, Victoria
Kamaruka School is a specialist school for neurodivergent boys from Years 2 to 10, who often have difficulties navigating the mainstream education system or require support for their unique needs such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The grant will be used to provide students with professional equipment to enhance their technology skills.
Environment: Remember the Wild (pictured above)
Remember The Wild is Australia’s leading nature connection organisation that drives values shift to a more caring and connected world, where people and nature thrive together. The organisation is dedicated to educating people on ways Australia’s species and land can flourish, if people are willing to live in a way that fosters connection, respect and reverence. The grant will allow the charity to film and produce a short documentary exploring the Snowy River and its significance to First Nations People, colonial culture and threatened species.
Flood Recovery: Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue
Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue is a charity that aims to reduce the human impact on seabirds, shorebirds, sea turtles and sea snakes through rescue, rehabilitation, education and research. In March 2022, the organisation suffered extensive damage from the NSW floods. This grant will enable the charity to install CCTV cameras for external animal monitoring and upgrade the educational experience for visitors.
Australian runner-up
Community Runner Up: Little Wings
Little Wings is a non-profit organisation that provides free, professional, and safe flight and ground transport services for seriously ill children in rural and regional NSW.