In a powerful show of community spirit, the Buderim Foundation has awarded $372,200 in life-changing grants through its inaugural Thompson Charitable Fund Grants Celebration at the Buderim War Memorial Hall.
The event – attended by Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, Buderim Foundation chairman Rick Woods, volunteers and grant recipients – celebrated the generosity of Roy and Nola Thompson, whose vision created the fund to support the region’s most vulnerable.
“We live in a very special place and I am proud to see community members doing what they can to work with organisations like the Buderim Foundation to come together and support those in need,” Mayor Natoli says.
Five grants are being distributed to grassroots organisations tackling homelessness, domestic violence and financial hardship across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa. SunnyKids has received $112,200 to furnish new transitional housing and assist people in need; Aus Living Support has $160,000 for its School Aid, Rental Supplement and Bond Aid programs; and Gateway Care will use its $100,000 to provide emergency food vouchers.
Mr Woods says the Thompson Charitable Fund embodies the power of “community looking after community”.
“Through the incredible generosity of Roy and Nola Thompson, local people are helping local people in their hours of need,” he says.
The celebration also coincides with Buderim Foundation’s 21st anniversary and its ambitious 21-week Community Challenge, aiming to raise $2.1 million by January to sustain long-term community support. Since 2008, the foundation has invested more than $2.5 million into local organisations, ensuring lasting help for regional families in need.
