’Devastating’: CEO issues desperate plea after charity suffers big blow
The CEO is asking the public for assistance after the recent floods destroyed 75% of the charity’s office and has significantly impacted families in need.
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It’s been a challenging start to the year for many families, charities and businesses across the region who have faced blow after blow with Covid-19 and severe weather.
Kath Dickson Family Centre chief executive officer Debby Mogg has issued an urgent plea for help after 75 per cent of the Toowoomba head office was destroyed in the January hailstorm.
“Most of our building is inhabitable, and the restoration is going to be considerably more and more expensive than initially thought,” she said.
The devastating impact of the weather event has meant the registered charity has been unable to offer its vital community services including its playgroups, parental support groups and toy library.
Ms Mogg estimated about 300 families in need used the services.
“We have been very fortunate that the majority of our staff have been able to work from home, but the very sad bit is we are unable to offer our community services,” Ms Mogg said.
“Our playgroups are sometime the only opportunity children have to get quality, educational and new toys, and for some families from disadvantaged backgrounds, our playgroup sessions are the only socialisation they get.
“This has impacted the families most in need in our community, and that is just so devastating.”
Ms Mogg said she was calling on anyone in the community who could help with providing a temporary space for the toy library to call home while the centre underwent repairs.
She said while there was no indication of the time frame, with tradies booked out for months and the substantial damage caused, she anticipated the space would be required for some time.
While the CEO said a building with an outdoor play area would be ideal, she was open to and grateful for anything.
As the community services did not generate an income, Ms Mogg said she was looking for a space that could be offered at a minimal cost or free of charge.
Substantial damage caused by the severe hailstorm in January has impacted the centre’s electricals, ceilings, walls and floor coverings and resulted in the spread of mould.
Remarkably, the centre fared well against the 2011 floods and most recent storms.
“It’s the part of not being able to offer these services that saddens me the most, and with everything surrounding Covid-19 and the floods, these support services are needed now more than ever,” Ms Mogg said.
“Helping others is what Kath Dickson is all about, and if we’re going to stay true to her legacy, we need to be able to provide those services.”
Email hello@kdfc.com.au.
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