b'KENNARDS HIRE Since 1948TAKING HIRE HIGHER | 126LOCAL GIVINGOn the ground, branch managers are authorised toKidsXpressprovide direct help to their local communities. EveryThis specialist trauma-focused organisation provides single branch gives a lot of support in terms of donatingexpressive therapy programs and trauma-informed hire equipment for non-profit projects, Kirsty says.education services.Its part of each Kennards branch operating as its own business, so the managers have the power toMelbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS)offer these local donations and discounts in their localBased in Richmond, Melbourne, MITS is a transition communities. Its hard to put a dollar value on that. school with an educational model that creates pathways and opportunities for Indigenous students from remote Some of the organisations and groups who haveand regional communities across Australia.benefited from philanthropy from the family andthe business include: Nawarddeken Academy Nawarddeken Academy is a unique bicultural school SUPPORTING KIDS in the Kabulwarnamyo community in the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) in Arnhem Land.BackTrack This not-for-profit organisation enables young peopleStepping Stone Housewho have lost their way to reconnect with educationFounded by Andys sister Joan Connery and her and training, preparing them to enter the workforce husband, Max, Stepping Stone teaches essential life and secure meaningful employment. skills in a family-style environment and provides access to education and job training. The program offers Dismantleboth accommodation and personal development to Dismantle is a charity that supports vulnerable youngyoung adults unable to live with their families, or who people having a tough time in Perth and regionalare facing homelessness. Max and Joan were each Western Australia. Dismantle helps around 400 youngawarded an Order of Australia Medal for their services people a year, providing them with the skills they needto homeless youth.to take an active role in their own self-development.The Smith Family Learning for Life programGanbinaThis program provides emotional, practical and financial Ganbina is an Indigenous school-to-work transitionsupport to help disadvantaged children and young people program mentoring young Aboriginal and Torres Straitwith their education.Islander people to make sure they gain the education, skills and life experiences they need to unlock theirfull potential.'