Pepper Money Real Life Stories: Healthy Cities inspires future Hawks

The Illawarra Hawks continue to inspire future generations of children in the region through their Pepper Money Real Life Stories program. 

After highlighting the exceptional work of Clontarf last month, the Hawks recently witnessed first-hand the incredible work of fellow not-for-profit foundation Healthy Cities Illawarra is doing in the region. 

Guided by their core values of integrity, collaboration, equity and inclusivity Healthy Cities, based at Fairy Meadow, work in partnership with local government, health care providers and other community organisations to prevent and control diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, asthma, dementia, depression, and anxiety.  

"The great thing about Healthy Cities Illawarra is their programs are targeted at times where kids can be most vulnerable," said Hawks Community Engagement Officer Tim Coenraad, whose teammate Daniel Grida experienced the cooking classes in Shell Cove first-hand recently. 

"Like after school and before parents are home from work, like school holidays, these are times where kids can fall into trouble and Healthy Cities Illawarra is addressing this with their community programs. 

"Their programs cover a multitude of areas such as teaching the importance of life skills including cooking, cleaning, exercise, good nutrition, as well as being a good member of our community." 

Since its establishment in 1987, Healthy Cities have been creating healthy environments, enabling healthy choices, addressing social, economic and environmental causes of health inequity, striving to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals. designing, implementing and evaluating evidence-based, cost-effective programs and achieving meaningful health and wellbeing outcomes. 

"I believe we were chosen as a lucky recipient of this Hawks and Pepper Money grant, as I feel our values are closely aligned, in terms of teaching kids the importance of eating healthy from a young age," said Healthy Cities Illawarra's Michelle Barry. 

"Our healthy eating programs combined with physical activities, such as our surf camp we recently held, teaches kids the importance of fuelling your body with the necessary nutrition to best excel in life. 

"Without the support of the Hawks and Pepper Money, we wouldn't be able to hold programs like this for all these awesome children from the Illawarra." 

Pepper Money head of brand and sponsorships David Berry was pleased to highlight another fantastic not-for-profit foundation in the region, while also helping their program to continue to grow.

“This is a particularly tough time for many young people feeling socially isolated and disconnected; so, we value programs like these which are giving young children and teens in the Illawarra community an opportunity to stay connected and have fun with their friends while learning valuable life skills,” Berry said.

“Backing these programs is an easy decision for us collectively in partnership with the Hawks, given the way Healthy Cities Illawarra are educating and bringing together local children.

“We could not be prouder to support this program and acknowledge the real-life difference it will make in the community.”

To hear more about the initiative, visit here.