Foundation awards $80,000 to support families in crisis

From left, Lily House’s Jo Higgins, Buderim Foundation chair Rod McKinnon, Aus Living Support’s Leanne & Ian Harrison, Dessi Mitzeva and Kent Roberts.

Families in need and victims of domestic violence will receive vital support thanks to more than $80,000 in grants from the Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund. The funding, aimed at assisting local residents struggling with the cost of living and other challenges, was announced Wednesday (October 23) at a morning tea held at Courtyard Kitchen in Buderim.

Two hinterland organisations, Aus Living Support and Lily House, were the recipients of the much-needed funds. Buderim Foundation Chair Rod McKinnon said the Foundation was proud to continue supporting such important community services. “Many in our community are doing it tough in the current economic climate, and we are pleased to be able to provide this support to these organisations who do such vital work,” Mr McKinnon said.

Aus Living Support was awarded $50,000 to help 200 vulnerable Sunshine Coast residents find more permanent housing through rental assistance. “We provide up to $200 a week of rental or mortgage support for families for an initial period of up to three months,” said Aus Living Support CEO Ian Harrison. “This funding will be critical in helping more families reestablish themselves and find security.”

Lily House, a support service for women and children in crisis, received $36,040 to provide essential items such as food, linen, toys, and to cover household utilities and vehicle expenses. Business Manager Jo Higgins said the grant would make a significant difference. “Lily House provides accommodation and training to women and children who are experiencing some of the worst times of their lives, and this grant will help provide additional supports for them,” Ms Higgins said.

The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund, established by philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson, has contributed over $900,000 since 2021 to support people experiencing homelessness and financial hardship on the Sunshine Coast. In addition to this fund, the Buderim Foundation also runs a separate Community Grants Program that supports projects helping the local area.

• For more information about the Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund, visit buderimfoundation.org.au.