OPTUS HELPS QUEENSLAND YOUTH GO BUSH

A charity that provides early intervention for young people at risk of suicide, depression, violence or crime throughout Queensland will receive $5,000 in funding from Optus, as part of the Optus Connecting Communities Grant Program.

The financial support, awarded to Vitae, will help reconnect these youth in the community. Through Champ Camps, the not-for-profit organisation will take children and teenagers in despair into the Australian bush and teach them skills to face life with a positive attitude.

"Many young Australians live without hope. Early intervention and support is vital to ensure this does not manifest itself into suicide, violence, drug use and crime," John Butler, Director at Vitae said.

"This generous grant from Optus will enable us to run further Champ Camps. Through these camps we put youths in an environment in which they can make life changing decisions. Ultimately we challenge these young people to realise their full potential and enable them to participate in the wider community," John Butler said.

"Vitae provides intervention services to help young people feel less isolated and engage with others in similar situations," Jann Kohlman, Optus Group Manager, Sponsorship and Community Programs said.

"Providing additional resources will ensure more young Australians in need have access to specialist support. This will significantly strengthen the self esteem of these youths and help them build a better future for themselves and within their community," Ms Kohlman said.

This year, Optus awarded close to $150,000 to 31 Australian not-for-profit organisations, as part of its annual Optus Connecting Communities Grants Program. The funding, of up to $5,000 per project, aims to reduce social isolation for those in need and reconnect disengaged youth in the community. It is an essential part of Optus' Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

In addition to the Community Grants Program, Optus supports 13 charity partners nationally, including Mission Australia, World Vision, Youth off the Streets and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Kids Helpline and The Starlight Children's Foundation.

Media contact:
Tracy Woodley
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 5302