Pepper Money Real Life Stories: Hawks team up with Clontarf

Throughout the NBL22 season, the Illawarra Hawks are highlighting the exceptional work of numerous non-for-profit foundations within the community, as part of the Pepper Money Real Life Stories series.

The first recipient of the community grant sponsored by Pepper Money and the Illawarra Hawks (with equal financial contributions) is Kai and the Clontarf Foundation, whose Vincentia Academy aims to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men by using sport as an incentive. 

“The academy has chosen to allocate the grant to Kai; a model student and talented sportsman, who has overcome personal adversity,” Hawks community engagement officer Tim Coenraad said.

“The grant will go towards providing Kai with sporting equipment and to set up a savings account for when he graduates from high school.”

The life of Kai, who enjoys playing sport, has changed dramatically since joining the Shoalhaven-based workshop.

“Clontarf is important to me because they are supportive and helpful,” Kai said.

“They create a positive environment and are also role models for us as well as being mentors. 

“My favourite part of working with them is that they keep me engaged in wanting to learn, both in and outside the classroom,” he said.

Kai’s progress since joining the academy has seen him awarded with one of the six $1,000 grants available, aimed at directly helping individuals and groups achieve their goals or help with any struggles they are experiencing.

“At first, I was surprised as there are so many boys in the academy,” said Kai, who wants to pursue a career in sport.

“From this opportunity, I will use the grant to get equipment to help improve my game and my education.  

“Working hard can open opportunities for you to grow. 

“When people see you working hard at something you can be recognised leading to opportunities like this,” he said.

Having seen his progress first half thus far, Clontarf Vincentia operations officer Jackson Webb knows first-hand how beneficial this grant will be for Kai’s future

“The money will allow Kai to have more options with schooling and sporting commitments,” Webb said.

“It will allow Kai to feel empowered to keep progressing and pushing himself in all aspects of his life.  

“The acknowledgment will allow him to feel supported and seen by his peers and the Clontarf staff at Vincentia.”

Kai is just one of the beneficiaries of Clontarf’s exceptional work in the community.

“The pilot programs that have been trialled to date have been really positive,” Webb said.

“Every young man that has had the chance to be part of the workshops has walked away with a great experience, learned some new skills and been active and engaged.  

“The key messages about health, being a team player and trying something new are strongly encouraged within the Clontarf space.  

“The workshops that Tim has tailored for the Clontarf members are always engaging, relevant and the Clontarf members are always eager to be involved.”

As Webb alludes to, this non-for-profit organisation has been impressed by the work from the Hawks, particularly Coenraad.

“Clontarf is very grateful to be working with Tim and the community arm of the Illawarra Hawks,” Webb said.

“The value that comes from working with the professional outfit of Illawarra Hawks inspires the Clontarf members to choose healthy lifestyle choices at an early age and aspire to be a professional in their chosen career path.

“Tim has been a great support in connecting the key messages and learnings to the young Clontarf members.”

To hear more about this fantastic iniative, visit herehttps://www.hawks.com.au/videos/community/1232876/Pepper-Money-Real-Life-Stories:-Hawks-team-up-with-Clontarf.