Buderim Foundation’s Keryn Bauer with Buderim Lions Club’s Garry Bates, Buderim Rotary president Lloyd Edwards and Mountain Creek State School chaplain Anthony Pulford with the vouchers for school students.
For the 15th year running, the Buderim Foundation is proud to again be a part of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Back to School Program, helping local families who need assistance with school expenses like clothing, shoes and stationery by offering $50 Target vouchers.
Buderim Foundation Director Rebecca Ramsay said this year a total $11,000 worth of vouchers are being distributed to Mountain Creek State School, Chancellor State School Campuses, Buderim Mountain State School, and SunnyKids.
“The funds include an allocation from the FRRR of $7000 to the Buderim Foundation. A further donation was made by the Buderim Lions Club and the Buderim Rotary Club of $1,000 each which was then matched dollar-for-dollar by the FRRR.
“We are very grateful for the generous financial support of the local Lions and Rotary Clubs,” Rebecca said.
Mountain Creek State School Chaplain Anthony Pulford said he knew of many families doing it tough in our community and he felt privileged to be able to assist them.
“Frequently the parents will “tear up” when given a voucher because it represents much more than $50. It shows that the community cares and supports them,” he said.
Buderim Rotary Club President, Lloyd Edwards said that Rotary was always happy to partner with other groups particularly on “grassroots” programs such as this.
The Buderim Lions Club’s Garry Bates said Lions work closely with schools offering help in several ways.
“Directing some of the funds we raise to programs like this, where the funds are matched, increases the amount of help we can provide to help ensure no child felt left out,” Mr Bates said.
SunnyKids spokesperson Kathleen Hope said women who have fled domestic violence often leave their homes with very few belongings and often need to settle their children in new schools.
“When mums are able to take their children shopping for new supplies with these Target vouchers, it can install a sense of comfort knowing that their children’s education will not suffer due to circumstances beyond their control,” Ms Hope said.
One mother said – “I can’t believe my son gets to wear new leather shoes to school tomorrow. Are you sure I don’t need to pay it back?” This mum had never experienced such community support and cried when she realised she could show her children she was capable of providing for them on her own.
With contributions from the Buderim Foundation, the Buderim Lions and Rotary Clubs along with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, the Back to School Program is a great example of how Buderim-based community organisations can work together to achieve results. In the past 15 years $154,950 worth of vouchers have been distributed.
The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that aims to enrich and enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives in the Buderim area.
The Foundation works by carefully investing all donations from individuals, families and businesses into what’s called the Foundation Fund.
Rebecca Ramsay said any income from these investments is then redistributed back to the community via an annual grant program open to not-for-profit community organisations that provide a service and support to residents in the 4556 postcode area.
“Our donors love that their donations and bequests made to the Foundation directly impact the community we live in,” Ms Ramsay said.
For more information on the Buderim Foundation, please visit the new website – www.buderimfoundation.org.au.
