Buderim Foundation | Buderim Foundation

Grant applications sought as Buderim Foundation’s 2016 program gets underway

Published on: 15 June 2016Category: Buderim Foundation

The Buderim Foundation’s 2016 Community Grants Program gets underway on Friday June 24. Now in its ninth consecutive year, eligible community groups benefitting the Buderim community are encouraged to apply for grants up to $10,000.

Lisa Edward, Chair of the Foundation’s Grants Committee said that this year, successful grant applicants were likely to share a total grant pool of approximately $60,000.

The 2016 grants will be in addition to more than $220,000 already granted to 54 community groups since the Foundation’s grants program began in 2008.

Ms. Edward said “Grant giving to community organisations is the Foundation’s core business and is at the very heart of its purpose. We are delighted that grants will once again flow to the community for a wide range of worthy community initiatives.”

“We have reviewed our policies and guidelines for the 2016 round and have introduced a more user-friendly application process which we believe will make it easier for volunteer-run organisations to apply,” said Ms. Edward.

“Everything you need to know about applying for a Buderim Foundation grant can be found in the Grant Application Guide on our website. We are encouraging organisations to visit our website to check the guidelines to see if they are eligible.

www.buderimfoundation.org.au/grants/how-to-apply/

Eligible applicants will need to apply online using the user-friendly application form. The deadline for applications to be received is Friday, 29 July.

Successful applicants will be announced at the Foundation’s 2016 annual Good News event on Sunday, September 18.

The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that aims to enrich and enhance the quality of life for Buderim and its residents by generating income from donations and bequests and providing grants for worthwhile community projects. Please donate today on our website.

Two inspiring Buderim Foundation breakfasts supporting youth

Published on: 1 June 2016Category: Buderim Foundation

For immediate release: 24 May 2016

Two inspiring Buderim Foundation breakfasts supporting youth

The Buderim Foundation is hosting two breakfasts with a strong focus on supporting young people in the Buderim community.

With youth support as a core objective for the Foundation and with a number of successful youth projects under its belt, the Foundation is formalising its focus on youth needs by launching a specific Youth Sub-Fund. The breakfasts are an effective way to raise awareness about the purpose of this fund and to provide early momentum.

The first breakfast this Friday 27^th May will feature Buderim Mountain State School’s Chappy Dave, Sunny Kids’ Chris Turner & Fusion’s Jesse O’Neil. They will discuss ‘Young people – their aspirations, their needs and their achievements’.

The second breakfast on June 17^th will highlight the achievements of Young Australians of the Year Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett, founders of Orange Sky Laundry. They will share the inspiring story of how they launched and grew their social enterprise ‘Orange Sky Laundry – so much more than a mobile laundry for the homeless’.

Foundation Chair Prof. Paul Clark said the Foundation’s breakfasts were not just about fund raising but a great opportunity for people to find out more about how young people are supported in the area and of course, how young people are inspiring others by their example.

Both breakfasts will be at the Buderim Tavern, 7am – 8.45am
Tickets $40
Secure your place by contacting Buderim Foundation:
E: [email protected]

Lending a Helping Hand to assist local families

Published on: 2 March 2016Category: Buderim Foundation

[embed]https://youtu.be/Zy50oftuoY4[/embed]The Buderim Foundation is pleased to announce for the 12th consecutive year, that Student Assistance Vouchers will be provided to local families to help with the cost of everyday essentials for students.
The Buderim Foundation coordinates the distribution of 300 $50 gift cards from Target and The School Locker, to families in need from the 4556 postcode. The vouchers assist with the purchase of shoes, clothing for growing students or stationary supplies that enhance their learning environment.
The Student Assistance Project is funded by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) $12,500, Buderim Rotary Club ($2000) and Buderim Lions Club ($500), and then distributed through the Buderim Foundation.
Buderim Foundation Chair, Professor Paul Clark said the Foundation really enjoys working with Buderim organisations to get the vouchers to help ensure the families and children in the greatest need obtain the most benefit from the program, whilst maintaining privacy for all involved.
“We are really excited to have watched this program grow and are proud that over the past four years we have doubled the voucher numbers from 150 in 2012 to 300 in 2016, allowing us to reach more families,” Prof. Clark said.
“We have also distributed vouchers to the value of $120,000 over the twelve years the program has been running.”
The vouchers will be distributed direct to families by several local schools including Buderim Mountain State School, Mountain Creek Primary School and Chancellor State College, as well as community organisations including St Vincent de Paul, SunnyKids, and Community Solutions.

Buderim Mountain State School Chaplain Dave Larkin said the vouchers were a great little surprise for the families, giving a little bit of extra money which anyone raising children could relate to.

“It helps financially but it also gives them a boost and makes them feel connected and supported,” Chappy Dave said.

Paul Clark said the Foundation had been overwhelmed by the feedback we have received in previous years. Families are surprised and delighted by the vouchers.

“It’s definitely a win/win situation.”

Written by Michelle Smytheman – Reflected Image PRoductions

Youth Sub-Fund

Published on: 3 February 2016Category: Buderim Foundation

It’s time for a specific fund focused on supporting the youth of Buderim.
The concept of Buderim Foundation’s sub-funds is well established with the existing BWMCA Sub-Fund which supports the BWMCA community activities. The Foundation Board has agreed that a Youth Sub-Fund will be the next one. This will give the Foundation’s youth program a more secure future.
Foundation supporters have often said they would like to focus some of the Foundation’s support on the younger members of our community. Over recent years the Foundation has provided around $70,000 in its Youth in Philanthropy Projects (YIPP) and Community grants specifically for youth oriented projects, not to mention the more than $100,000 channelled into the school community in the form of School vouchers.
So what is a sub-fund? It is a fund that allows donors to express a wish that the earnings from their donation or bequest will be used specifically to support youth in our community.
As youth is a large and growing segment of our community, their special needs will only grow in the future. At a recent Sunshine Coast youth summit and at a Generation Innovation Future Visioning forum, younger members of community have expressed specific concerns and challenges, some of which include:
•   Employment opportunities
•   Drug and alcohol free recreational opportunities
•   Development of practical life skills
•   Limited activities for young people

If this is a concept that interests you, or you would like more information, please contact Heinz Seeberg, Chair of the Buderim Foundation’s Youth Committee.
E: [email protected] M: 0458 588433

Volunteer army mobilising to deliver “Spirit of Buderim”

Published on: 1 December 2015Category: Buderim Foundation

An army of willing Buderim volunteers will mobilise this weekend to deliver a very special publication to every home in the Buderim community.

The “Spirit of Buderim” publication is a joint initiative of the Buderim War Memorial Community Association (BWMCA) and the Buderim Foundation.

Buderim Foundation Chair Prof. Paul Clark said the 16-page publication celebrates the community’s achievements and seeks to explain how important our volunteers are in enriching the lives of every resident in the area.

“There are countless stories each and every day about those who give their time, their energy and their talent for the benefit of others while nourishing their own spirit in the process and the Spirit of Buderim aims to highlight just some of them,” Prof. Clark said.

This publication is the signature partnership initiative by the BWMCA and Buderim Foundation to mark Community and Philanthropy Partnerships Week (from December 7-13) and it will include information about many of the community organisations affiliated with the BWMCA so people can find out more and become involved if they wish.

2015 BWMCA President Simon Whittle said “Spirit of Buderim validates social researcher Hugh Mackay’s proposition that ‘It’s not where you live but how you live’. This is a timely message in the wake of Hugh’s recent visit to celebrate the BWMCA’s 70^th anniversary and we hope it will resonate with all those who’ve chosen to call Buderim home.”

Mr. Whittle said what made the publication even more special was the way it will be delivered.

“17,000 copies have been printed and our army of volunteers will be pounding the pavements from the weekend of December 12 and 13 to deliver to every home in the Buderim area.

“We think this publication is really special and because it has information that is likely to be of value to every member of our community, we will be delivering to every single letterbox – this is not junk mail so we hope everyone will receive the publication in the spirit in which it has been created. If you see our volunteers on their rounds please say hello,” Mr. Whittle said.

If you would like to help with the delivery just turn up in the carpark behind the War Memorial Hall in Church Street between 9 and 10am on Saturday.

Additional copies of Spirit of Buderim will be available while stocks last from the Old Post Office from the middle of next week. They make a great reference for locals and something to send on to family and friends so they see why we choose to live where we live.

Buderim Foundation distributes more than $50,000 to its 2015 grant recipients

Published on: 11 September 2015Category: Buderim Foundation

18 community organisations were awarded a total of more than $50,000 when Buderim Foundation grants were presented at its annual Good News Night held in the Buderim War Memorial Hall on Friday September 11.

Now into its 12^th year of operations and its eighth year of awarding grants, the Buderim Foundation is an undoubted success story of growth and achievement for the community it strives to serve.

Funds raised by the Foundation are carefully invested, and then the interest earned is distributed to community organisations serving the 4556 postcode area each year.

This year 18 different organisations are benefiting after applying for funding for specific projects.

Buderim Foundation Chairman Professor Paul Clark said the $50,740 awarded on Friday evening brought the total funding provided to the community since commencement of its grants program to more than $200,000. During this time 57 grants have been awarded ensuring broad support to different organisations right across the community.

Professor Clark said that each year more people become aware of the Foundation and generously donate money, and as a result there are more funds to inject back into the Buderim community.

“The Foundation’s grants program offers the opportunity for those that develop worthwhile community initiatives benefiting Buderim and its residents to receive funding for their fine work.

“The more money raised, the more funds there are to distribute, and I am happy to say that every year this amount grows,” Professor Clark said.

The Buderim Foundation is delighted to announce the 2015 Community Grant recipients are:

Buderim Contract bridge Club Inc. – Air conditioning of the clubhouse $5400

Buderim Cricket Club Inc. – Oval shade structures $1186

Sunshine FM Radio – Station security and computer upgrade $2625

Hot Ginger Chorus – Barbershop singing and musical concert $1220

Buderim Garden Club – 70^th Anniversary Banksia Spinulosa Project $1000

Sunshine Coast Square Dance Centre – Street art promoting Centre activities $1600

Siena Catholic Primary School – Automated composter and recycling bins $4500

Sunshine Statesmen Barbershop Chorus – Sound equipment for events $1172

Buderim P&C Committee – Storage shed for school swimming pool $2348

2^nd Lighthorse Regiment, Woombye Troop Assoc Inc. – Uniform/Kit for one trooper and Saddle/Tack for one horse $1764

Care Flight Rescue – Tractor-style vehicle to position helicopter for quick take-offs $6695

Fusion Community Care – Volunteer Management System to promote local volunteerism $4400

Suncoast Community Legal Service – Community legal education theatre about Wills and Powers of Attorney $3400

Friends of Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens – Whipbird Walk Sensory Trail for children – $5500

Hear and Say centre for deaf children – School hearing screening program for Buderim primary school children $5500

Buderim Concert Band – Glockenspiel for lending to new players $1000

Maroochy State Emergency Service – Tablets to improve response times and support during disasters $1430

BWMCA – Contribution towards staging the Buderim Community Expo scheduled for the last weekend in November $4500

The goal of the Buderim Foundation is to enrich and enhance the quality of life for Buderim and its residents, past and future. The Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit organisation that generates income from donations and bequests from local community residents which it distributes by way of annual grants for community projects.

The grants are offered to not-for-profit organisations in the Buderim community, or not-for-profit Sunshine Coast community organisations that are able to provide services to the Buderim community.

Sunshine Toyota on board as Buderim Foundation sponsor

Published on: 14 August 2015Category: Buderim Foundation

The Buderim Foundation welcomes prominent coast business Sunshine Toyota as a major sponsor, joining its two existing long term sponsors Buderim Pharmacy and Edenlea on Buderim.

Buderim Foundation Chair Professor Paul Clark said “We greatly value the long-term high quality relationship we have with our existing major sponsors and I am delighted that Sunshine Toyota is joining the Foundation ‘family’. Their genuine commitment in giving back to the community aligns with our purpose and therefore makes them a natural fit with our organisation.”

Sunshine Toyota Dealer Principal Darren Venning said “Living in Tanawha, I’ve witnessed what the Buderim Foundation has done for residents throughout Post Code 4556 over the past few years so I’m thrilled to be able to support the work it does and the community benefits it provides. Last year alone, 22 local organisations shared around $60,000 in grants. I am also looking forward to being an active part of the Foundation and seeing my team contribute back to this community.”

Mr Venning said he was particularly excited by the opportunity to work with the Buderim Foundation’s Youth Program as a way of supporting the next generation of Sunshine Coast leaders.

“The Foundation has done a great job in establishing philanthropy programs at a number of schools in the Buderim area and we are keen to work with them to grow these programs.

“We’ve also got a strong commitment to developing our staff into better leaders and we undertake a number of leadership activities that would align well with the shared goals of our two organisations,” Mr Venning said.

Professor Clark said the new partnership would help to ensure the organisation’s overheads are met while taking the Foundation’s profile to new levels of awareness within the Buderim community.

“It also preserves the Foundation’s central message that every dollar raised or donated goes directly to its Trust funds with only the earnings used to resource its annual grant program,” he said.

Food and Wine Package supports Foundation

Published on: 2 July 2015Category: Buderim Foundation

There’s a number of great ways to enjoy good food and wine on Buderim whilst supporting your community foundation. None better than by grabbing one of these great offers tailored to suit your budget.

REMAINING STOCK CLEARANCE

Now on offer is a special package of the cooking and lifestyle book Essence of Buderim, together with six bottles of the Buderim Foundation fine red wine for only $120. (Previously $150)

Or you might prefer one of these options:
•    Buy the Foundation’s fine red wine for $200 per dozen
•    $100 for a half dozen
•    $17.50 per bottle

The wine is a 2011 vintage Stonewell District Shiraz selected by a panel of the Foundation’s wine buffs. Its quality is well summed up by Buderim’s David Edwards who owns a 3000 bottle cellar and is considered one of the best wine palates on the Coast.
“This is a silky smooth Shiraz that can be enjoyed now but its full potential as an outstanding wine with fully integrated structure will be realised by cellaring for five years or more. Great value”

You can make any of these purchases simply by downloading order form, completing with payment details and returning to Erik Larsen PO Box 39 Buderim 4556 or email to [email protected] or phone 0419772928.
Delivery will be organised.

Loloma’s story

Published on: 8 May 2015Category: Buderim Foundation

Long-lost romantic letter returned to Buderim resident

In 1943 a letter was written that changed Loloma Weir’s life. Over seventy years later, thanks to a good samaritan and the Buderim Foundation’s Gifts in Memory webpage it has travelled 1000kms to be returned.

Watch her reaction as she reads it for the first time. Click this link: https://youtu.be/Y9g99395V-o

Long-lost romantic letter returned to Buderim resident

Published on: 8 May 2015Category: Buderim Foundation

View a video interview with Loloma. click on: https://youtu.be/Y9g99395V-o

A letter written in 1943 by a former Buderim resident asking for his wife’s hand in marriage has been found in a book bought at a second-hand bookstall in Melbourne.

The letter, written by the late Stuart Weir, is addressed to the Reverend and Mrs Green and seeks permission to marry their youngest daughter, Loloma who, as the letter states, ‘has captivated my heart’.

The Melbourne book buyer, Intrigued by the letter, searched the internet for Stuart Weir and found a link to the Buderim Foundation ‘Gifts in Memory’ page.

Stuart and Loloma have been strong supporters of the Foundation and Stuart’s Gifts in Memory story was written shortly after he died in 2004. The story includes details of Stuart’s graduation from Duntroon Military College in 1942 and his marriage to Loloma Green in 1944.

The Melbourne gentleman telephoned Buderim Foundation Board member John Devers who contacted a Weir family member.

Loloma, who now lives in Buderim Views, was delighted to receive the letter and to hear the story of how it was found in a book which must have belonged to her father, the Rev Robert Green. Loloma knew Stuart had written to her parents asking for her hand in marriage but had not actually seen the letter until now – 72 years later.

“This is very special for me and I really appreciate the effort this gentleman has made to tracemy family.”

Loloma is extremely proud of her late husband.

“Stuart has been recognised as the only officer to have commanded troops in combat in four wars,” she said. “He was awarded the Military Cross for bravery in Papua New Guinea in World War II and the Distinguished Service Order for his action in the Vietnam War.”

Stuart joined the Buderim Historical Society when he and Loloma moved to Buderim in 1977. He led walking tours of Buderim’s historic sites and, in 1983, he identified and listed Buderim’s historic trees, some of which were subsequently listed with the National Trust.

In 1986, he painstakingly researched the origin of Buderim’s street names, and arranged for the publication of a booklet called ‘Beautiful Buderim: origin of street names’. Stuart’s ashes were buried under a frangipani tree in the grounds of the Historical Society’s Pioneer Cottage.

The Sunshine Coast Council recently recognised Stuart’s dedication to Buderim by naming the viewing area overlooking Martin’s Creek in Lindsay Road, Stuart Weir Place.

You can read more about Stuart Weir and other great life stories on our Gifts in Memory page.