Club turns to generosity of strangers in order to stay afloat

The fresh sea breeze and open water provides endless joy to the members of Albany’s Sailability Club, but the community group may have to downsize because of operational costs.

The volunteer community group enables people of all abilities to experience sailing from the Princess Royal Sailing Club.

However, after being unable to find a grant to cover operational costs, the volunteer-based group has turned to crowdfunding.

The campaign was launched last Saturday and co-ordinator Chris Lee said sailing was an important activity for all those involved.

“Our clients are all ages, from really young school kids to people that are quite elderly, and a whole range of abilities,” he said.

“You can engage in whatever level you want to.

“A person who is a paraplegic who is in a wheelchair can (be) hoisted ... in a boat and they can get out there and engage in sailing.

“It really does change people’s lives.”

The program has been running for the past five years with a regular weekly crew of about 20 participants and 40 volunteers.

Mr Lee said if the funding target was not met, the group should still be able to run the program, just not at its current capacity.

“We have received grants for boats and infrastructure but it is very hard to get money for ongoing costs,” he said.

“Without (these funds) it would mean the club would be much smaller.”

At time of print, more than $2000 had been raised.