The Buderim Foundation is supporting local families with school expenses through the provision of $30,000 worth of $50 vouchers, to be distributed through schools and community organisations.

The 600 vouchers will be distributed through Buderim Mountain State School, Chancellor State College, Mountain Creek State Primary School, Mountain Creek State High School, Kuluin State School and SunnyKids, as part of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Back to School Program.

Buderim Foundation Director Rebecca Ramsay said this year is the 18th year Buderim Foundation together with the FRRR had provided the much-needed assistance for school expenses such as clothing, shoes, and stationery.

Mrs Ramsay said this year the funds included an allocation from the FRRR of $20,000, as well as a further $5000 from the FRRR Matched Funding program which was matched to funds contributed by the BWMCA ($1000), Buderim Lions ($1500), and the Buderim Foundation’s Thompson Fund ($2500).

“This means we have 600 vouchers to distribute which is fantastic for local families, so we are very grateful for the generous financial support of everyone involved,” Mrs Ramsay said.

Mountain Creek Primary School Chaplin Anthony Pullford said it was very special as a community to be able to support families who find themselves in difficult circumstances, such as foster children, those experiencing domestic violence, and those who have become homeless.

“They are so grateful and often tell me that receiving the vouchers makes them feel loved and cared for,” Chappy Anthony said.

Mountain Creek High School Chaplin Stuart Cran expressed his gratitude for the vouchers which he could distribute to those families facing huge challenges.

Chappy Stuart said that in a large school with 2000 students he encounters families living in cars and families whose breadwinner has lost a job or been diagnosed with a debilitating illness.  He said that there was also a number of independent students, who could no longer live at home and were struggling financially.

“Being able to provide some relief for these families in the form of vouchers helps lower stress levels which in turn helps kids engage better at school,” he said.

Buderim Lions Club President Brian McBride said the Back to School Program was part of their many years of support for the local schools, which includes their Club’s Walk to School and Chancellor College Leo Club programs.

“Our club is part of a caring community. With many families facing difficulties due to COVID, and with rising costs of housing and other essentials, we welcome the opportunity to join with other likeminded organisations in providing vouchers to assist families and help ease the burden.”

Buderim War Memorial Community Association President Errol Richardson said the BWMCA was pleased to continue its support of this very worthwhile program, helping children during these very challenging times.

“A sound education is the very foundation in helping children achieve their full potential later in life and we are grateful for the opportunity to be involved. If this program results in only one child leading a successful and productive life it will have been all worthwhile.”

With the contributions from all the local organisations as well as the FRRR, the Back-to-School Program is a great example of how Buderim-based community organisations can work together to achieve results. In the past 18years $227,950 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, and 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.

Media release written by:
Michelle Smytheman, Reflected Image Productions, Buderim
M:0408 401 198 email: [email protected]

Image supplied by:
Cheryl Nonmus, ONQ Photography, Buderim
T:07 5445 4533, M:0409 110 023

Image description: Teale Ring, Anthony Pulford, Charlie Morris, Brian McBride

The Buderim Foundation has awarded $70,391 to be shared by 14 community-based organisations, as part of its annual Community Grants Celebration.

Buderim Foundation Grants Committee Chair, Rebecca Ramsay said the Foundation was delighted to once again provide support to community organisations supporting the 4556 postcode area, especially as the challenges of Covid-19 continue.

“The grants come from earnings made from the Foundation’s investment fund, so it is thanks to everyone’s donations and the hard work of our Investment Committee, that we are able to deliver the much-needed funding,” Rebecca said.
The special Grants Celebration will be held on Sunday 12th September at the Buderim War Memorial Hall and is a Covid-Safe event.

“The Buderim Foundation concept is simple and has three key components. Money in, where donations and bequests are received, money managed, where these funds are carefully invested and then money out, with the income from the investments distributed as grants to organisations supporting the 4556 community,” Rebecca said.

“And we are proud to say that donations are not used to cover administration costs as they are all covered by our valued sponsors – Buderim Pharmacy, EdenLea on Buderim and Sunshine Toyota, as well as some special fundraising events.”

This year is the 14th year grants have been distributed.

Since 2008, a total of $671,947 has been distributed to 87 community organisations supporting the 4556 postcode area.

“These grants will make a big difference to the lives of many in our community enabling the purchase of much-needed, and in some cases, life-saving equipment; and financing vital upgrades to infrastructure.”

This year’s grants include $10,000 to Wishlist for two Smileyscope Virtual Reality units that are used to take the fear out of hospital for kids; $8,309.50 for Buderim Playgroup to assist with improved Inclusive Access; $6,972 for LifeFlight Foundation for new flight helmets; and $5,897.34 for the Compass Institute to support the Compass Garden café, which supports young people with disabilities.
(A full list of recipients is at end of this post.)

The Buderim Foundation Grants Program is open to not-for-profit community-based organisations that provide services and support for residents in the 4556 postcode area and often beyond.

This year community groups have been under additional pressure as they have been unable to run their regular fundraising events due to Covid restrictions. Grants like these from the Buderim Foundation will allow them to continue their operations and services to our community.

Grants are awarded to projects relating to eight areas of interest including those which seek to strengthen the fabric of the community, help residents live healthy and fulfilling lives and protect and preserve our natural environment.

The Buderim Foundation considers the Community Grants Celebration the one of the most important day on the Foundation’s calendar.

2021 Buderim Foundation Community Grant Recipients:

Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club – $2,730 towards two nipper boards, to help make Nippers as affordable as possible for families
Buderim Bowls Club – $1,700 for the fit out of a play area, to provide more facilities for families
Buderim Contract Bridge Club – $5,940 for chairs to provide facilities as part of the Club’s relocation
Buderim Horse & Pony Club – $1,503 for the upgrade of fencing and equipment to help care for the horses
Buderim Men’s Shed – $8,771 for a shade sail for their outdoor barbecue area
Buderim Theatre Company – $2,400 for a computer and theatre steps
Buderim Rebels Hockey Club Inc – $2,620 towards equipment for new teams
The Compass Institute – $5,897 to support Compass Garden Café which supports young people with disabilities
DV Safe Phone Ltd – $9,200 for a phone drop facility including essential equipment needed to test, reset and repurpose donated mobile phones supporting victims of domestic violence
Headland Buderim Croquet Club – $2,849 towards technology to support the growing club to better manage its administrative functions, coaching practices and tournament activities
LifeFlight Foundation – $6,972 for new Aspida flight helmets, crucial equipment to providing the best chance of survival to critically ill and injured patients, reducing the possibility of permanent disability and assisting in a shorter recovery time
Maroochydore SES – $1,500 for saws to be used for operational responses
Buderim Playgroup – $8,309 for improved inclusive access so that is easier to navigate for people with disability and/or anxiety
Wishlist – $10,000 for 2 Smileyscope Virtual Reality units which are used to take the fear out of hospital for kids

Buderim Foundation will soon be opening their 2021 Grants Programs for applications, with up to $10,000 each available to community organisations serving the local 4556 community.

Applications open on Monday 7th June, and eligible applicants will need to apply online before 11thJuly. Successful applicants will be announced at the Foundation’s 2021 annual community grants celebration on Sunday 12th September.

This year grants can be used for projects, or organisational operational costs, that directly benefit residents within the 4556 postcode area.
The Buderim Foundations Grant application program attracted a lot of interest last year, and $85,022 in grants was awarded to 20 local organisations, taking the total amount distributed over 13 years to almost $629,000. The projects that were awarded grants last year included:
• Beulah Community – $2,200 for tracks and statue in Buderim Forest Nature Refuge
• Bloomhill Cancer Care – $7,991 for Family Cancer Care and Play Therapy Program
• Buderim Billiards & Snooker Club – $1,000 for refurbishment and furniture
• Buderim Craft Cottage Association Inc. – $5,000 for fire-door ramp and shed
• Buderim Dementia Alliance – $3,000 for Information Brochure
• Buderim Horse and Pony Club Inc – $1,365 for new signs and tools to maintain the site
• Buderim Lions Club – $3,073 for refrigerator and defibrillator
• Buderim Male Choir – $2,500 for music storage upgrade
• Buderim Men’s Shed – $2,360 for cooling fans for kitchen break out area
• Buderim Mountain State School P&C – $10,000 for new musical instruments
• Buderim Scout Group – $10,000 for repairs and maintenance to the den
• Buderim Wanderers Football Club Inc – $5,041 for canteen plant and equipment
• Chancellor State College P&C Association – $548 for Pace for Pediatrics Program
• Compass Inc – $7,000 for Bullying Prevention Program
• Eric Joseph Foote War Memorial Sanctuary Assoc. – $749 for replacement line trimmer
• 4 Paws Animal Rescue Inc. – $2,200 for fencing to create a dog rehabilitation & exercise area
• LifeFlight Foundation – $9,060 for Project Renovation Rescue
• Maroochydore SES – $2,534 for enhanced first aid training for local SES volunteers
• Sunshine Coast Hockey Association – $3,035 for safe seating
• Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled RDA Inc. – $6,363 for Solar System Project

Foundation Grants Committee chair, Rebecca Ramsay said it was only through the generous support of donors that the Foundation was able to invest money, to generate returns that could be re-invested in the community each year through local organisations.
“By investing in organisations serving the Buderim and 4556 community, we strive to support, and encourage positive initiatives that include assisting people to live healthy and fulfilling lives, encouraging cultural endeavours, increasing learning opportunities, protecting and preserving our natural environment and supporting youth in our community.”

The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation which harnesses the power of giving by generating income from donations and bequests and providing grants for worthwhile community projects.

To find out more and apply for this year’s Grants Program visit www.buderimfoundation.org.au/grants/buderim-foundation-community-grants/ to see if your organisation is eligible and to download the Grant Application Guide. Grant applications need to be submitted online by 11thJuly.

The Buderim Foundation is providing $32,000 worth of $50 vouchers to support local families who need assistance with school expenses like clothing, shoes and stationery.

As part of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Back to School Program 2021, this year’s record amount will help up to 640 students attending Buderim Mountain State School, Chancellor State Primary and State College, Kuluin State School, Mountain Creek State Primary and High School or receiving assistance from Sunny Kids.

Buderim Foundation Director Rebecca Ramsay said this year the funds included an allocation from the FRRR of $20,000 to the Buderim Foundation. Further donations of $1,500 from Buderim Lions Club, $1,000 each from Buderim Rotary Club and the BWMCA and $2,500 from the Buderim Foundation were then matched dollar-for-dollar by the FRRR, totalling $12,000.

“This is the 17th year Buderim Foundation together with our local supporters have been involved in the FRRR Back to School Program and we are very grateful for the generous financial support of everyone involved,” Rebecca said.

Mountain Creek State School Chaplain Anthony Pulford said every year, when handing out the vouchers to struggling families, many of them become so overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of the FRRR Program and are reduced to tears.

“Thank you so much to all those who have contributed to the program. Additional funding has resulted in extending to Mountain Creek High School and they too are so excited to be able to use these vouchers to help families at their school,” Mr Pulford said.

Rotary Club of Buderim President Ros Cheales said that Rotary supports youth development, and this initiative creates an opportunity for young people to access the learning resources that they need to succeed in their schooling.

“The Club also sees the benefit in combining funds through partnering with other community groups to make a difference in people’s lives,” Mr Cheales said.

Buderim Lions President Brian McBride said Buderim Lions has been supporting our local schools for many years through their Walk to School Program and the Chancellor College Leo Club.

“Our Club is well aware of the difficulties many families are facing at present and we welcome the opportunity to co-operate with other likeminded organisations in providing vouchers to help ease the burden and to show that we are part of a community that cares,” Mr McBride said.

Chancellor State College Principal Victoria Ansety said there are so many families in our community who are adversely affected by the events of 2020 and sadly there seems little respite.

“Our wonderful Student Services Team work tirelessly to support our families struggling to deal with the financial and emotional impact as a result of COVID-19 and in fact, beyond that. The FRRR Back to School Program supports our ongoing work to prepare students to embrace the beginning of the new school year – ready and equipped to learn,” Ms Ansety said.

With contributions from the Buderim Foundation, the Buderim Lions and Rotary Clubs and the BWMCA 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 17 years $197,950 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, and 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.

Within the Buderim Foundation’s growing family of donors, Ambassadors and volunteers, there are literally countless stories of generous giving, whether it be time, talent or treasure… or in many cases, a combination of all three. Since the Foundation’s launch in 2004, it is these many individual stories that collectively add up to an immensely powerful big story of success we can all be proud of.

One of these is a standout and deserves celebrating. Well known in the community as the face of Buderim Pharmacy, Alistair and Santina Cook, along with their pharmacy partners at the time, made a bold decision to get behind the Buderim Foundation as inaugural sponsors when it was in its infancy 15 years ago. Alistair and Santina have been committed supporters ever since. Indeed, the cumulative contribution through the years puts them in a very special gold standard category!

“There’s no question that this long-term sponsorship has been a major contributing factor to the organisation’s growth and success,” Foundation Chair Prof. Russell Stitz said.
“In these days of constant changes, especially in the world of business, I wonder if in fact, it might be a Sunshine Coast record for major continuous sponsorship of one organisation? And what better sponsor partner to have on board than Buderim Pharmacy.”

Alistair was happy to go on record in those early years saying that both he and Santina believed strongly in the Foundation concept, especially since their sponsorship would help to pay the running costs and be central to the Foundation’s rare ability to proudly claim that all administration and operational expenses are wholly covered by the sponsors’ contributions without the need to draw on any of the donor income.

Alistair also said back then that as proprietors of one of Buderim’s most enduring family businesses, they placed great value in the deep and lasting relationship they wanted to build with the Foundation, and they were certain about the great satisfaction they would get from watching it grow. “Pleasingly, these views have only been reinforced with the passage of time,” Alistair Cook said today.

While well known for its outstanding performance in this community, many locals may be unaware of just how highly regarded Buderim Pharmacy is at a national level. This has come about largely due to the pharmacy’s acknowledged track record for innovation in professional services that extend well beyond the conventional pharmacy business model. It includes proactive community outreach, high value health education, monitoring and counselling programs and case by case pro bono assistance for at risk and disadvantaged groups, all fine-tuned to exceptional quality standards.

Two other highly regarded businesses round out the Foundation’s ongoing and effective sponsor support program. They are EdenLea on Buderim (11 years) and Sunshine Toyota (5 years). “This three-sponsor policy has been in place for many years now and like all partnerships of this kind, it has yielded significant benefits for both the businesses involved and for the organisation,” Prof. Stitz said.

“For the sponsors it means stronger recognition of the support provided than would be the case if more sponsors were involved. It also means each sponsor can proudly say that because of the Foundation’s grant distribution role, they are indirectly supporting the whole Buderim community by supporting the Buderim Foundation in this way. And for the Foundation, it challenges us to keep a tight rein on our operating and administration costs. Of course, our army of wonderful volunteers helps massively in this regard. It also allows us to be more creative, clearer and efficient as we strive to recognise and promote these worthy supporters,” Prof. Stitz added.

Alistair and Santina have become a very big part of the Foundation family. They are on hand each year to help hand out annual grants. They attend Foundation events and of course, they promote the value of the Foundation to our community via their vast personal and business network. There is no doubting that the Cook family are true philanthropists, and the Foundation is a better organisation because of their outstanding support over so many years.

The Buderim Foundation awarded a record amount of $85,022 that was shared by 20 community-based organisations, as part of its biggest ever Community Grants Celebration.

 Buderim Foundation Grants Committee Chair, Rebecca Ramsay said the Foundation was delighted to once again provide a record level of grants to community organisations supporting the 4556 postcode area, especially in this very challenging year.
“The grants come from earnings made from the Foundation’s investment fund, so it is thanks to everyone’s donations and the hard work of our Investment Committee, that we are able to deliver the much-needed funding,” Rebecca said.

The special COVIDSafe Grants Celebration was held on Sunday 13th September at the Buderim War Memorial Hall.
“The Buderim Foundation concept is special and has three key components. Money in, where donations and bequests are received, money managed, where these funds are carefully invested and then money out, with the income from the investments distributed as grants to organisations supporting the 4556 community, Rebecca said.
“And we are proud to say that donations are not used to cover administration costs as they are all covered by our valued sponsors – Buderim Pharmacy, EdenLea on Buderim and Sunshine Toyota, as well as some special fundraising events.”

This year is the 13th year grants have been distributed.
Since 2008, a total of $636,942 has been distributed to 82 community organisations supporting the 4556 postcode area.
“These grants will make a big difference to the lives of many in our community enabling the purchase of much-needed, and in some cases, life-saving equipment; and financing vital upgrades to infrastructure.”

This year’s grants include $10,000 to Buderim State School P&C for new musical instruments; $10,000 to the Buderim Scout Group for repairs and maintenance of their Den; $9,060 to LifeFlight Foundation for their Project Renovation Rescue program and $7,991 to Bloomhill Cancer Care for their Cancer Care & Play Therapy program.
A full list of recipients is below
The Buderim Foundation Grants Program is open to not-for-profit community-based organisations that provide services and support for residents in the 4556 postcode area.
This year community groups have been under additional pressure as they have been unable to run their regular fundraising events due to COVID restrictions. Grants like these from the Buderim Foundation will allow them to continue their operations and services to our community.
Grants are awarded to projects relating to eight areas of interest including those which seek to strengthen the fabric of the community, help residents live healthy and fulfilling lives and protect and preserve our natural environment.
The Buderim Foundation considers the Community Grants Celebration the most important day on the Foundation’s calendar.

2020 BUDERIM FOUNDATION COMMUNITY GRANT RECIPIENTS:
4 Paws Animal Rescue – $2,200 for fencing to create a dog rehabilitation and exercise area
Beulah Community – $2,200 for Buderim Forest Nature Refuge tracks and statue
Buderim Billiards & Snooker Club – $1,000 for refurbishment of furniture
Bloomhill Cancer Care – $7,991.44 for the Cancer Care & Play Therapy Program
Buderim Craft Cottage – $5,000 for upgrade and extension of a fire door ramp & shed
Buderim Dementia Alliance – $3,000 for a Dementia information brochure
Buderim Horse & Pony Club – $1,365 for new signs and tools to maintain facilities
Buderim Lions Club – $3,073 for a defibrillator and refrigerator
Buderim Male Choir – $2,500 for upgrade of their music storage system
Buderim Men’s Shed – $2,360 for cooling fans for kitchen break area
Buderim Mountain State School P&C – $10,000 for new musical instruments
Buderim Scout Group – $10,000 for repairs and maintenance to the Den
Buderim Wanderers Football Club – $5,041.82 for canteen plant and equipment
Chancellor State College P&C – $548 for their Pace for Paediatrics’ program
Compass Inc – $7,000 for their Bullying Prevention Program
Eric Joseph Foote War Memorial Sanctuary Association – $749 for a new line trimmer
LifeFlight Foundation – $9,060.81 for Project Renovation Rescue
Maroochydore SES – $2,534 for enhanced first aid training for SES volunteers
Sunshine Coast Hockey Association – $3,035.14 for safe seating
Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled – $6,363.64 for their Solar System Project

While everyone has been dealing with a world that seems to have been turned upside down, something quite special has happened in our community that is sure to gladden the hearts of many. Long term Buderim residents Norm and Ellen de Chastel who last year celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary have quietly made a donation of $100,000 to the Buderim Foundation, adding significantly to its funds held in trust and therefore its capacity to build a stronger community through its annual grant allocations.

In announcing this outstanding philanthropic gesture, Foundation Chair Prof. Russell Stitz said “For 13 years, the de Chastels have been in what we would class the major annual donor category, but this latest contribution to the Buderim Foundation catapults them into the exceptional category. In previous years, they have asked for their donations to remain anonymous, but this year they have been prepared to relax this requirement in the hope that it may inspire others to follow.

Norm and Ellen are rusted on Foundation fans and are a part of the large army of around 400 Foundation Ambassadors who contribute time, talent and of course donations to advancing the cause of philanthropy in the Buderim community. They have a high regard for its mission and the way it goes about things,” Prof. Stitz added.

When asked about what prompted this outstanding gesture, Norm said, “With my banking background, I’ve always been impressed by the preservation of capital in that it’s only the earnings each year that get used for the grants. This means that the initial value of every donation is maintained in perpetuity. And the Buderim Foundation is one of the few organisations we support where we know all our donation money goes to where it is intended and not drained away in administrative or marketing costs.”

Ellen who was a former teacher, and brought up in a large family where sharing was encouraged, says she is especially pleased to see the importance placed on young people through the Foundation’s youth initiatives and the ‘Back to School’ voucher program benefiting those with special needs.

Prof. Stitz said, “We don’t talk a lot about our donors, preferring to focus our promotion on the many deserving community organisations who benefit from the Foundation’s annual grants program. But when something like this happens, I think it’s important to remember, not just how important our donors both large and small are, but how much joy they get in very act of giving back to the community and seeing the benefits that flow.

“The Foundation’s income is made up from a combination of both one-off donations, annual donors, the Regular Giving program via the website, bequests and money raised from events. We have around 40 annual donors, and of course we would love to have more,” says Prof Stitz.

Photo: Ross Eason
www.eason.com.au