Sunshine Coast foundation given $1m in funding to help support those in need
A Sunshine Coast charity which delivers more than 22,000 free meals a year has been given $1 million in funding to help establish a new, bigger centre of operations.
A Sunshine Coast charity dedicated to feeding and supporting those in need has been given $1 million in funding to help establish a new, bigger centre of operations.
The Everyday Foundation in Nambour helps more than a 1000 people a week, offering vital support to Sunshine Coast locals through a low-cost supermarket, emergency relief services, meal programs and school pantry initiatives.
However, as cost of living pressures have risen, so has demand for support, and the charity’s current location just isn’t big enough.
To bring all its existing services under one roof and expand its support of locals struggling to make ends meet, the foundation needs to relocate to a larger premises.
The state government announced on Friday it would provide $1 million in funding to the organisation to help facilitate this expansion.
Director of The Everyday Foundation pastor Jonathan Gullo said the funding meant the charity could renovate and move into the new space in Nambour even sooner than they initially hoped.
“The building was the site of the original Coles and has been a part of the Nambour community for close to a century,” Mr Gullo said.
“We’re honoured we’ll be able to add to its legacy while continuing to build our own.
“The Everyday Foundation’s mission is to meet people in their place of need but also to help them on their journey out of poverty and to see lives transformed.
“We’re hoping that we’re able to serve more people as our program offerings can expand with our new space.”
Premier David Crisafulli said he was proud to help The Everyday Foundation “fulfil their dream” and establish a new headquarters.
“This organisation doesn’t just provide food, it provides hope, and it provides compassion, and it provides a connection to the community … and it’s vital we support it,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“To see the number of people that are helped here in Nambour every week fills me with hope.
“It’s something we should be really proud of and it’s something we should be willing to partner with.”
Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said The Everyday Foundation’s expansion would make a “real difference to our local community and strengthen the food security safety net”.
“The Everyday Foundation delivers more than 22,000 free meals a year, with demand growing,” Mr Hunt said.
“This is the right investment at the right time for the people who need it the most.”
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Originally published as Sunshine Coast foundation given $1m in funding to help support those in need
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