Our customers have always loved our art groups, so much so that we started a new all-day program for 2024. Hosted at the group studio space at the Light Box Torquay, participants have been producing some amazing works.
However, because the group is relatively new, and in the interests of keeping the out-of-pocket expenses sustainable for participants, the group haven’t built up a large stock of supplies yet. Sharon, one of our Leisure Networks Support Workers, suggested the group approach the local Bunnings for support.
With some help from Program Coordinator Mardi, the group put together a letter outlining their goals and seeking support. Taking a break from their creativity, the group walked the letter over to the local Torquay Bunnings.
Tarnya, the Bunnings’ Activities Coordinator in Torquay, was happy to help. She suggested the group come to the store, during their scheduled program time and try some bubble art. While they were there, she took the group on a shopping trip around the store – fully funded by donation from Bunnings! So good!
The group stocked up on paints, glue and mosaics supplies. Tarnya also suggested the group start a wish list of things they might like in the future and invited them to come back for another workshop anytime.
It wasn’t long before we took her up on this generous offer when some of the Art Group shared their experience with friends in our Friday Social Squad. The Social Squad visited Torquay Bunnings on the Friday before Mother’s Day. The friends had so much fun creating beautiful hand decorated photo frames for their mums and caregivers.
This is such a great story of how Leisure Networks group programs go beyond teaching specific skills, they are all about accessing and building confidence to get out in the community. It’s not just a story of successfully stocking up on supplies (thanks again Bunnings!), it’s all about building capacity along the journey: setting goals – get more art materials; communicate – writing the letter and delivering the letter in person; independence – going “shopping”; and, accessing community – participating in a group activity in store.
This is just the beginning of what the group can do, we look forward to following their progress in the art world and beyond!