Jennifer Pittorino
The West Footscray Neighbourhood House has received a much anticipated grant which will be used to purchase sensory specific toys for the childcare centre.
Manager Marianne Wangira said the $6000 grant from the state government’s toy library grant program, will widely benefit their community.
“We will be using that grant to purchase sensory specific toys so that we can provide parents and their children with a range of toys to try out prior to buying,” she said.
Recognising the toys can be costly and are a big investment for families, Ms Wangira believes this is a great way for parents to try before buying their own.
“Children might not necessarily be receptive to some toys, so we want to give them an opportunity to come and borrow something and see if their child likes it,” she said.
“Then they know if it’s worthwhile to actually go and invest money in purchasing.”
Among the new toys that children can borrow includes sensory maps, weighted blankets and fidget toys.
Ms Wangira said parents can try out the toys as they will get to meet other families with children going through a similar journey to themselves.
“We hope to create some organic relationship building between parents so that they’ve got a support network.“
Excited for the money to come in, Ms Wangira said as soon as it does they will purchase a wide range of toys.
There is still time for parents to put in special requests, as Ms Wangira has put a call out on Facebook to see which toys people would like.
“I have asked community members of neurodiverse children to get an idea of what things they would like us to have,” she said.
“I am going to have quite a good range of sensory toys for kids from age six months up to eight years.
“We are so excited, this is something that we’ve been talking about wanting to do for about 18 months and never had the opportunity to do it.
“So it is lovely for the team to receive the funding and be able to make an idea come to fruition.”
