A volunteer-run charity supporting people experiencing homelessness is closing in on a $50,000 fundraising target for a dedicated outreach vehicle.
The Table of St Francis has raised about $32,000 towards its proposed Compassion Mobile, which would help volunteers transport hot meals, supplies and essential items across the Sunshine Coast.
The Catholic charity will continue its campaign with A Place at the Table, a fundraising breakfast at Headland Golf Club at Buderim on November 13.
The organisation began as the grassroots Hunger Busters initiative at Nambour in October 2023 before becoming The Table of St Francis.
Its volunteers provide hot meals, coffee and essentials at Quota Memorial Park in Nambour on Saturday mornings, as well as Sunday and Monday night outreach around Maroochydore and surrounding areas.
The charity also distributes tents, sleeping bags, blankets and clothing, while offering practical help and companionship to people experiencing hardship.
Secretary Jonard Erro said the organisation relied heavily on volunteers’ vehicles, home kitchens and personal storage spaces.
A Compassion Mobile would allow it to better transport meals and supplies while supporting outreach across Nambour, Maroochydore, Caloundra and Noosa.
“Rather than rushing from one stop to another, we want our volunteers to have the time to sit, listen, build relationships and offer more than just a meal,” Mr Erro said.
“Because sometimes, the most valuable thing we can give someone is our time.”
The fundraising breakfast will feature Emmanuel City Mission founder Roby Curtis as guest speaker.
The Brisbane organisation also works with people experiencing homelessness and hardship, and Mr Curtis will speak about its development and experience.
“What Emmanuel City Mission has achieved in Brisbane is something we hope to bring to the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Erro said.
“Their journey is a powerful example of what faith, compassion and a dedicated community can accomplish.”
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The event will include a raffle for The Table of St Francis, although guests will not be required to donate or enter partnerships with the charity.
Mr Erro said reaching a portion of the vehicle target had involved a wide range of volunteer-led fundraising.
“It’s been an incredible journey, particularly for a small charity run entirely by volunteers,” he said.
“We’ve been flipping sausages at Bunnings, running marathons, selling t-shirts and organising community fundraisers.
“Every dollar has been raised through the generosity and hard work of people who believe in what we’re doing.”
The charity is also considering a longer-term project known as Home of Mercy, where volunteers, community organisations and professional services could work together to help people move beyond immediate relief.
Mr Erro said the concept could include a kitchen, food storage, dining areas, showers, laundry facilities and places for people experiencing homelessness or hardship to rest and connect with support services.
But he stressed the facility remained a future ambition rather than an established or funded project.
“At this stage, Home of Mercy remains a vision rather than a funded or established facility,” he said.
“Our immediate priority is securing suitable premises for our current operations and making our Compassion Mobile a reality.
“We know it’s an ambitious dream, but then again, The Table of St Francis itself started with a small group of volunteers and a few meals.
“Every great mission has to start somewhere, and we believe Home of Mercy can one day become a reality for the Sunshine Coast.”
Tickets for A Place at the Table cost $55, and the event is capped at 100 guests. Registrations close on November 11.
