21 Toowoomba charities and organisations to support in 2021
These local charities and organisations are working hard to make Toowoomba a better place. Here’s how you can help.
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1. OzHarvest Toowoomba
OzHarvest rescues quality excess food and delivers it to charities helping to feed people experiencing food insecurity.
Founded by Ronni Kahn AO in 2004 after noticing the huge volume of food going to waste, OzHarvest quickly grew to become Australia’s leading food rescue organisation by saving surplus food from ending up in landfill and delivering it to charities that help feed people in need.
OzHarvest is committed to halving food waste by 2030, inspiring and influencing others to do the same, and transforming lives through education.
As a philanthropically funded, charitable organisation, every $1 donated to OzHarvest allows us to deliver two meals.
You can support Toowoomba OzHarvest in three ways, with your time, or with a donation of food or money.
To find out more about how you can get involved with OzHarvest, head to the Toowoomba OzHarvest Facebook or head online to the OzHarvest website and fill in the new volunteer information page.
2. BASE Services Toowoomba
BASE stands for Build-up, Accept, Support and Encourage.
BASE Services Inc. is a Toowoomba-based, not for profit, community development organisation that works with individuals and families in need in the Toowoomba community including men and women of all ages, from diverse cultural backgrounds who are homeless or at high risk of homelessness, ex-service people, people with health issues, people with addictions, people with behavioural issues or trauma as a result of abuse, family violence, separation, grief or loss.
The Basement Soup Kitchen operates weekdays from 11am – 12:30pm, offering anyone in need in the Toowoomba community a free lunch time meal.
In 2016 BASE Services also established 2nd Shot an innovative pathway program which provides hospitality training and employment opportunities through their coffee shop on Ruthven St.
Base Services also provide swags, clothing, hygiene and food packs to people experiencing homelessness and access to outreach support services.
To find out how you can support BASE Services, head to its website and fill out a volunteer application form here.
3. Emerge cafe on Station Street
Emerge is a youth organisation that aims to keep kids safe, out of jail and help create opportunities in employment and training so they can reach their full potential by providing at risk youth with training and employment within their cafeteria in Toowoomba City.
You can support the Emerge team by simply visiting the cafe or placing a catering order, but if you’re looking for going the extra mile you could also become an Emerge mentor or volunteer, donate to the wish list of donation items or become a regular donor.
To find out more email hello@emergecafe.com.au or head to the Emerge website.
4. Loaves and Fishes Toowoomba
Loaves and Fishes assists those in the community doing it tough by providing large food hampers of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, pantry staples and lunch box items for a fraction of the retail cost.
For $55 Toowoomba families and people who are struggling to put food on the table can come down and load up on some essentials.
Loaves and Fishes also run a small cost recovery outlet at 106 Hill Street, Newton where community members can purchase goods and groceries at discounted prices.
Loaves and Fishes are always looking for volunteers, donors and sponsors, and people to help with food supplies and distribution.
To get in touch, message the Toowoomba Loaves and Fishes Facebook page or email landfcaretwba@gmail.com.
5. Tony’s Community Kitchen
Tony’s Community Kitchen is another Toowoomba organisation who support the homeless and most vulnerable in the Darling Downs region.
Located behind the Settlers Inn on the corner of James and Ruthven Streets, Tony’s Community Kitchen is open seven nights a week to provide cooked meals, food hampers, clothing and other essential items all made available thanks to donations from the community.
New members are always welcome, to get in touch and find out more simply visit its Facebook page.
6. Actscare
Actscare has been serving the southeast Queensland Regional community since July 1996.
Their staff are predominantly volunteers who give as much time as they can to assist their community and support each other during whatever challenge they come across, helping to provide housing, food assistance and a work experience program to the community.
To find out more information about Actscare, head to their website or e-mail admin@actscare.com.au or call 4638 1939.
7. The Toowoomba Women’s Collective: Protea Place Women’s Support Centre
Protea Place provides practical and professional support for women in need.
It offers a range of services including showers, laundry, meals, clothing, vouchers, toiletries, support with referrals to housing, health and domestic and family violence support services as well as drop-in sessions, case management, access to outreach groups and crisis support.
To get in touch and see how you can support Protea Place contact them on 0403 756783 or to donate, simply head to their website here or donate here.
Protea Place is hosting a fundraising event for International Women’s Day at the Picnic Point Restaurant with special guest musician, Melinda Schneider.
Tickets are $145 and are on sale now via Toowoomba Tickets.
Find out more information on the Protea Place Facebook page.
8. Help A Friend Club Toowoomba Inc (HAFC)
Help a Friend Club is a self-funded, not-for-profit registered charity which has been serving the community for over 40 years.
Offering accommodation and support to those in need in the Toowoomba community since 1979, Help a Friend Club focuses on providing affordable accommodation to residents who are struggling to find shelter.
Their 22-room residential accommodation is a fully accredited level one facility providing crisis as well as short and long-term accommodation.
To get in touch and see how you can support Help a Friend Club, you can email them on office@hafc.net.au or call 4659 9124 or 0407 626 414.
9. Toowoomba Hospital Foundation
The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation supports local health services through the provision of funds for lifesaving equipment and resources, staff development, research and scholarships across the Darling Downs Health region.
The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation hosts a number of different fundraising initiatives throughout the year to assist with sourcing the funds necessary to provide a number of services to the community including specialised programs to help bring smiles, comfort and guidance to our patients across our hospitals.
100 per cent of all donations and funds raised go directly into ensuring patients have access to state-of-the-art equipment, and that Toowoomba staff are at the forefront of what they do, none of the funds are spent on administration costs.
By supporting the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, you will be directly helping people in our local community.
Find out how you can help support the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation website here.
10. FoodAssist Toowoomba
FoodAssist has been distributing food to people in need on the Darling Downs since 1996.
They feed between 2000 to 3000 people every week with boxes distributed to families, single parents, single persons, pensioners and other non-profit charitable organisations.
FoodAssist is a charitable, self-funded, public benevolent organisation without direct government financial assistance.
They operate through the support of volunteers, a work experience program for people with disabilities, Work Exposure in Government (WEX) workers, community service and correctional service workers.
For more information of how you can assist this important service visit the Toowoomba FoodAssist Facebook page or phone us on 07 4634 1157.
11. Meals on Wheels Toowoomba
Meals on Wheels has had a place in the hearts and homes of Australians for more than 50 years.
Helping older people and younger people with disabilities and their carers stay in their homes where most are happiest is at the heart of what they do.
Meals on Wheels Toowoomba provide nutritious three course home delivered meals up to seven days a week to assist the disabled, elderly and disadvantaged to maintain independent living.
Each year Meals On Wheels Toowoomba needs to raise a significant amount of money over and above any government subsidies that we may receive to keep our community meal service operating.
Volunteering for Toowoomba Meals on Wheels can be an incredibly satisfying experience and is open to younger people, and older members of the community.
Volunteers fill many roles from being drivers and navigators, delivering meals into people’s homes, to providing office skills, writing newsletters or preparing promotional flyers for events.
To find out how you can get involved with Toowoomba Meals on Wheels, head to their website here.
12. Save the Children Op Shop
You’ll get more than just retail therapy when you shop at the Toowoomba Save the Children’s op shop on Ruthven St.
Not only will you pick yourself up an array of recycled fashion pieces, toys, books and even some vintage and modern day gems, your purchases will help to create better lives for children in Australia and overseas.
Save the Children op shops are staffed by friendly volunteers who only add to the unique shopping experience.
To discover how you can support the Save the Children initiative by advocating, fundraising, volunteering or by joining the Toowoomba local member branch, head to the website here or call (07) 4638 5330.
13. The Smith Family
Currently there are more than 1.2 million Australian children and young people living in poverty.
They don’t have the help, the school books or the support they need at home to keep up at school.
The Smith Family Learning for Life Program is a student support program set up to assist financially disadvantaged young Australians to make the most of their education.
It provides scholarships to students from low-income families who are struggling to pay for essential school items such as school fees, uniforms, textbooks, camps and excursions.
In addition to the scholarship money to assist with educational expenses, all students and their families are provided with support and advice from a Learning for Life Worker.
People can support the Smith Family in a number of different ways including donating toys and books, becoming a monthly donor, sponsoring a child and making a gift in their will or simply by making a one-off donation.
To find out more head to the website here.
14. Toowoomba Hospice Association
The Toowoomba Hospice Association is a community based private healthcare facility which provides free palliative care to the terminally ill.
Their facility has been designed to provide patients with a family friendly “home like” environment during the final phase of their life.
COVID-19 put a temporary hold on Toowoomba Hospice’s volunteer services, but in 2021 they will be looking to hold information sessions once again for people who are interested in volunteering.
To find out more, head to the Toowoomba Hospice Association Facebook page or website here.
15. Mystery Date with a Book Toowoomba
Are you an avid reader? Why not ‘book’ in some me time with a mystery date book and contribute to a good cause at the same time?
All profits raised go towards funding school supplies for marginalised children in the Toowoomba community, so what are you waiting for? Go and schedule a hot date with a new book today.
To support, head to the Mystery Date with a Book Facebook page.
16. Civic Assist
Civic Assist believe communities are made great by those that work together for everyone’s benefit.
Their team focuses on collaboration with the Toowoomba regional community to develop targeted and innovative programs that empower people today to equip them for a better tomorrow.
Civic Assist coordinates a number of services and initiatives, working with people of all ages and from all walks of life including their Safe Night Precinct Safety Services and their Youth Outreach Program.
Find out how you can contribute by visiting their website here.
17. Angels Rescue
Angels Rescue is a Toowoomba-based animal rescue and shelter specialising in cats and kittens.
They run a very close-knit rescue where everyone works together to make sure their fur babies get the best care and find the most wonderful new forever homes.
Angels Rescue also run a last litter program, educating and assisting owners with desexing their pets.
The also assist with wildlife and work with the homeless and people struggling to feed and care for their pets.
Angels Rescue is a licensed, charity registered and ATO approved with their shelter based in Dixon Ct, Wilsonton Heights.
For more information on how you can assist this animal shelter, call 0438 013 254 or visit their Facebook group here.
18. Orphans and Widows
Supporting hundreds of children across seven countries since 1996, Orphans and Widows is a charitable organisation providing support to women, children and communities in need.
Based in Australia and New Zealand, Orphans and Widows finances projects at an international level, including projects in India, Laos and Kenya.
Orphans and Widows also work to deliver aid locally with the charity operates a shop on Russell St has become one of the most popular in Toowoomba.
Their store at 28-32 Russell Street, Toowoomba offers a wide range preloved clothing, books and other items for sale.
To get in touch regarding volunteering or donating goods or funds, contact Orphans and Widows manager Lea Emmett
Phone 4638 7307 or 0401 881 092, or email orphans_widows@bigpond.com.
19. Toowoomba Clubhouse
Toowoomba Clubhouse Limited is a large-scale charity established in 1996 and works with adults who have experienced mental illness with a view to assisting them in their recovery and return to work, study, and social inclusion.
Their mental health service and support programs provide members with opportunities to access employment, education, life skills, and other mental health support they may need.
Their main activity is registered as mental health and crisis intervention primarily serving adults – aged 25 to under 65.
Toowoomba Clubhouse is a non-government organisation which relies on funding and grants as well as community donations. Your donation will go towards helping people with mental health challenges develop the skills to reach their highest potential and live fulfilling lives.
To make a donation to the Toowoomba Clubhouse cause, head to their website here.
20. The Older Mens Network (TOMNET)
Established in 2001, the Older Mens Network or TOMNET is a not-for-profit community organisation offering a range of support services for retired men in regional, rural, and remote locations in Queensland.
After the novelty of retirement wears off and the honeymoon is over, many can be left asking “what’s next?”.
TOMNET provides Peer Support for men who have retired, or are thinking about retiring, to assist them through the hidden hardships of this new phase of their life.
Through rediscovering fulfilling lives, TOMNET men regain purpose, and the ability to connect, and contribute to the community.
TOMNET provide opportunities for older men to connect with each other and to also engage with the community through volunteer activities such as home visiting program for isolated and vulnerable older men, residential aged care visiting teams, mentoring for disadvantaged youth, telephone support service for isolated members and a barbecue service.
To find out how you can get involved, head to the TOMNET website here or their Facebook page, or contact them by calling 4638 9080 or emailing admin@tomnet.org.au.
21. Eva’s Place Pregnancy and Early Parenting Support Inc
Eva’s Place offers pregnancy and early parenting support for those facing an unintended pregnancy or pregnancy in challenging circumstances.
They provide information, education and support for women experiencing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy together with practical assistance for disadvantaged women and their babies during pregnancy and up until the child’s first birthday.
Eva’s Place is financed through corporate and philanthropic grants, plus private and corporate donations and these are supported by volunteer labour.
To find out how you can donate, head to the Eva’s Place website here.
Eva’s Place is hosting a fundraising dinner at the Highfields Cultural Centre on Saturday, February 27.
With a delicious two-course dinner, entertaining top-quality local musicians and a special guest speaker, Rebecca Gosper from LifeChoice Australia, this will be a night not to be missed.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Originally published as 21 Toowoomba charities and organisations to support in 2021
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