June Canavan Foundation funds North East and Upper Murray groups

The June Canavan Foundation grants were among $201,200 given out in a disaster funding round that also supported organisations on the Sunshine Coast, in Papua New Guinea and St Jude's School, Tanzania.

Dr Canavan, a sports physician and family doctor working on the Sunshine Coast, died in a 2009 plane crash while travelling to Kokoda partway through a major fundraiser to walk/climb up five peaks starting with the letter K.

Family and friends finished her project and the foundation began in 2010 as an ongoing tribute to her life.

Director Lorraine Griffiths, Dr Canavan's sister, said the foundation focused on the areas of health, education, sport and conservation, as well as growing giving - encouraging philanthropy within communities.

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"Whoever we fund, we hope that they can then make a difference," Mrs Griffiths said.

"It's a like a hand up, not a handout."

A $14,000 grant to the Australian Sport Foundation will be distributed to Cudgewa Tennis Club ($5000), Upper Murray Dance Club ($4000) and Wodonga Little Athletics Club ($5000).

Friends of Lacluta (Timor Leste) Wangaratta has been granted $2200 while Into Our Hands Foundation will receive funds on behalf of Corryong-based Acres and Acres Co-op ($14,500), Give Wangaratta ($2500) and Greta Valley Landcare Group ($10,000).

Other recipients are Benalla's Tomorrow Today Foundation ($10,000), Confident Girls Foundation ($5000) for netball support for younger girls in the North East and Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal ($5000) for back to school vouchers.

Mrs Griffiths, who lives in Greta West, said the ongoing impact of disasters like bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic prompted this special round of funding.

The director said supporting groups in this way proved very satisfying.

"Getting to know the people involved on the committees and the organisations, it's really heartwarming to know the smallest amount of money can change a life," she said.