Donation will help L2P program keep its cars on the road

In October, Australian Community Media mastheads in Victoria launched the initiative, where journalists met with readers in different venues around town and the newsroom was opened to the public.

The Courier donated more than $2700 from its advertising revenue on the day to Ballarat charity United Way.

Chair Wayne Weire said the money would go towards the organisation’s L2P program, which has helped 37 learners, who did not have access to a vehicle or supervising driver, gain their probationary licences. 

“One of the four key priority areas of United Way and The Ballarat Foundation is youth success, and ensuring youth have the skills and opportunities to prosper in employment,” he said.

“Gaining a licence is a vital step in creating financial independence.

“The money The Courier has generously donated to the L2P program will enable us to keep a car on the road for the next seven months, providing more opportunities for the mentor / mentee relationship to grow while achieving more driving experience.”

L2P and youth development coordinator Torie Campbell said without extra funding, such as The Courier’s donation, United Way would not be able to continue running the program.

“All our mentors are volunteers, which is fantastic, but it is also the funding to keep the cars going, petrol and maintenance,” she said.

“VicRoads and TAC are our major source of funding, but they don’t supply the cars. So for us to get outside funding is amazing for us.”

Ms Campbell said extra funding this year had allowed the program to add 25 extra learner places, which increased the program by nearly 50 per cent. 

The program, which is going from strength to strength, recently added a new car. 

If anyone would like to know more about the L2P program or how to become a supporter or a mentor visit unitedwayballarat.org.au.