The legacy of a late Sunshine Coast couple is being felt through grants to groups helping those doing it tough.
The Buderim Foundation has awarded $450,300 in grants, from the Thompson Charitable Fund, to five organisations, providing support to people facing homelessness, domestic and family violence, housing instability and financial hardship.
The fund was established in 2021 by philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson, who died within days of each other in August.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli joined foundation Chair Rick Woods, grant recipients, foundation volunteers and community champions at the annual Thompson Charitable Fund Grants Celebration on Tuesday.
Mr Woods said this year’s event was particularly poignant with the recent passing of the Thompsons.
“We are proud to be continuing their legacy of philanthropy and generosity to help those in our communities doing it tough,” he said.
The event also celebrated local groups that provide a lifeline to people facing their toughest moments.
The new grant recipients include:
- AusLiving Support – $150,000 for the Stay Safe Program, a frontline homelessness-prevention initiative providing short-term rental assistance paid directly to landlords or real estate agents for families at immediate risk of becoming homeless.
- AusLiving Support – $10,000 for the Kindness in a Basket campaign, providing practical, dignity-filled support to domestic violence survivors, vulnerable children and struggling families across the Sunshine Coast.
- Gateway Care – $50,000 for the Rack Voucher Program, supporting families in crisis situations.
- Gateway Care – $25,000 for the School Meal Program, delivered in partnership with the Good for Life Foundation, providing meals to students in need across Sunshine Coast schools.
- Lily House – $60,000 to support young pregnant or homeless women, mothers fleeing domestic violence, women recovering from substance abuse and women seeking reunification with their children.
- Sonshine Sanctuary – $30,000 to support women and their children fleeing domestic and family violence.
- SunnyKids – $55,800 toward a new transitional housing project providing medium-term accommodation for families exiting crisis accommodation.
- SunnyKids – $69,500 to support people impacted by the intersection of financial hardship, necessitous circumstances, domestic and family violence, housing instability and mental wellbeing.
Mr Woods said the fund continued to demonstrate the power of local generosity.
“The Thompson Charitable Fund exists to support people experiencing some of the toughest challenges in our community,” he said.
“These grants will help trusted local organisations deliver practical support and pathways to stability for families and individuals who need it most.
“It is a privilege to see community generosity translated into direct help for people on the Sunshine Coast, year after year.”
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the event reflected the power and compassion of the Sunshine Coast community.
“It is heartening to see local people and organisations working together to support those facing hardship,” she said.
“Our ability to stand alongside our community’s most vulnerable members, and the charities who help them in their times of need, is one of our greatest strengths.
“The Buderim Foundation plays an important role in bringing people together and helping ensure support reaches those who need it most.”
Since its inception in 2004, the foundation has distributed more than $3.17 million through its funds, including over $1.7m from the Thompson Charitable Fund.
The Thompsons also entrusted more than $5 million to the foundation in 2021.
Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your email at the bottom of this article.
