The Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (SCARS) has this week unveiled its new, vibrantly wrapped vehicle that will be used for transporting rescue cats and dogs waiting for their forever homes.
The 2016 Hyundai iLoad was a community-backed purchase thanks to grants from the Buderim Foundation and the Rotary Club of Sunshine Coast Central, along with many individual donations by local supporters.
Bali bombing survivor, Julian Burton, OAM, will be the special guest at a Buderim Foundation breakfast, where he will discuss how being grateful is a choice and the impact it can have on your life.
Just over 20 years ago, in 2002, Mr Burton experienced the unimaginable when he suffered life-threatening third-degree burns in the Bali bombings terrorist attack. Throughout his arduous rehabilitation, Julian was profoundly moved by the outpouring of support from his community. This experience ignited his passion for giving back, leading him to establish the Julian Burton Burns Trust in 2003.
Buderim Foundation Chair, Rod McKinnon, said the Foundation was thrilled to have Mr Burton come to present at the fundraising breakfast at Headland Golf Club on Wednesday, 10th April 2024.
“Julian’s story is one of resilience and optimism so we are thrilled to extend an invitation to the community to come and hear more about his extraordinary journey, where he will highlight the profound impact of gratitude, kindness, and purpose in overcoming life’s adversities,” Mr McKinnon said.
“Through unwavering commitment and dedication, while also rehabilitating from his injuries, Julian successfully raised over $20 million for crucial programs and projects across Australia, earning him accolades such as the Order of Australia Medal in 2008, and recognition as one of Australia’s top five Social Entrepreneurs in 2010.
Mr McKinnon said that following the success of the Burns Trust, 2018 saw Julian and his wife Kay transition their focus towards advancing other community organisations, and embark on a new philanthropic journey.
“The couple founded The Burton Foundation, committed to nurturing South Australian community initiatives. Alongside his philanthropic pursuits, Julian also assumes pivotal roles in two leading biotechnology firms, further exemplifying his steadfast dedication to driving positive change.
“So, bring your friends and family, or come meet new Foundation friends and join us for an enlightening discussion as Julian shares his invaluable wisdom on cultivating sustainability and steering transitions with grace, purpose and gratitude,” Mr McKinnon said.
Event Details:
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 by harnessing the power of giving.
The Foundation works by carefully investing all donations and bequests which are never spent. The earnings from these investments are redistributed to the community via an annual grants program open to not-for-profit community organisations that provide a service and support to residents in the 4556 postcode area.
In addition, the Foundation manages the Thompson Charitable Fund which provides grants to organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness and financial distress on the whole Sunshine Coast.
The Buderim Foundation is once again supporting local families with back-to-school expenses through the provision of $43,500 worth of vouchers, which have been distributed through schools and community organisations.
This year, the 570 vouchers have been distributed through Chancellor State College, Mountain Creek State School, Mountain Creek State High School and SunnyKids, as part of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Back to School Program.
Back to School grants presentation – Buderim Foundation’s David Wood (left) and Nico Hansen (right) present vouchers to Mountain Creek State High School Chaplain Stuart Cran
Buderim Foundation Chair Rod McKinnon said the Buderim Foundation has been participating in the Back to School Program for the past 20 years.
The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund is pleased to announce a new $101,500 grant to Gateway Care to provide vital food vouchers for vulnerable people through the festive season and into 2024.
Bonnie Scorey, Rod McKinnon, Lani Refiti and Marg Welshe with cheque
Buderim Foundation Chair Rod McKinnon said Gateway Care Limited is a not-for-profit organisation providing food, clothing and essential goods for Centrelink registered clients through their Food Distribution Centre at Caloundra.
“Cost-of-living and inflation are creating more challenges for everyone, and those most affected are the most vulnerable in our community so the Buderim Foundation is pleased to be able to work with organisations providing real relief for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness,” Rod McKinnon said.
The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund is pleased to announce a new $50,000 grant to Aus Living Support Ltd to assist vulnerable Sunshine Coast residents find more permanent housing.
David Wood, Ian and Leanne Harrison, Kent and Dessi Roberts, Rod McKinnon
Buderim Foundation Chair Rod McKinnon said Aus Living Support Ltd is a Sunshine Coast charity supporting the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless by helping with rent relief.
“Housing affordability and the cost-of-living are issues affecting more and more people in our community and the Buderim Foundation is pleased to be able to work with organisations providing real relief for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness,” Rod McKinnon said.
THE Buderim region is a unique place with a very special community, and it is that and so much more that is celebrated in a new book being launched today by Award-winning local photographer Ross Eason.
The gorgeous 196-page hardcover coffee table book, Four Five Five Six The Buderim Region has been a four-year labour of love for Ross Eason, which tells the stories of the local area, where he and his wife Judy have lived for the past 32 years, and where they raised their family.
“The idea for the book first came to be in 2012 as part of the 150th anniversary of Buderim’s founding because I wanted to create one book that encapsulated Buderim from the past to present time,” Mr Eason said.
More than $97,000 is being awarded to community organisations benefiting the residents of the Buderim and 4556 region as part of the Buderim Foundation’s annual Community Grants Celebration.
Buderim Foundation 2023 grants
Funds will be awarded to 21 community organisations for projects ranging from kindergarten shade sails, the development of Dementia Awareness and Education programs and resources for cancer and palliative care patients as well as mental health programs, assistance to purchase new vehicles for nursing and animal rescue and more.
It’s on again – the much-anticipated annual Buderim Foundation Fashion Show, this year with a theme of Spring Splendour and with special guest hosts 7 Sunshine Coast’s Rosanna Natoli and the very entertaining Todd Kelly.
The Buderim Foundation Spring Splendour Fashion Show will take place on Sunday, 22nd October, starting at 2.00pm in the Buderim War Memorial Hall.
Buderim Foundation Events Committee Chair Sandra Jeffries said the Fashion Parade was now in its fourth year and was always a sell-out event.
“It is such a great event and a chance to dress up, see the latest fashions, and enjoy some sumptuous savouries with friends,” Ms Jeffries said.
“The Show catwalk will feature fashions with a coastal vibe for men and women and, in a first for the event, the Show catwalk will feature fashions from select boutiques from Buderim and beyond.”
The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund is proud to provide a $65,800 grant to SunnyKids to help provide support for vulnerable Sunshine Coast families.
Buderim Foundation’s Charlie Morris, SunnyKids CEO Kathleen Hope and Buderim Foundation Chair Rod McKinnon -photo-by-Ross-Eason
Buderim Foundation chair Rod McKinnon said SunnyKids provides vital support for Sunshine Coast families in need of a helping hand on the Sunshine Coast.
“The Buderim Foundation’s Thompson Charitable Fund is proud to support SunnyKids and the work they do in providing emergency food, accommodation and other support,” Rod McKinnon said.
SunnyKids CEO Kathleen Hope said SunnyKids provides connections and support for vulnerable Sunshine Coast families focusing on providing complex case management, including long-term capacity-building and emotional support.
“We seek to assist families and individuals in some of the worst situations imaginable. Families arrive at SunnyKids hoping to access clothing, medicine, food or things like car registration which in turn allows them to focus less on transportation and more time on other vital family needs like getting the kids to school, doctors’ appointments, and getting to and from work,” Ms Hope said.
The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund is proud to provide a $100,000 grant to Gateway Care Food Centre to support their Food Rescue Program.
Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund donation to Gateway Care Food Centre – Tom Lew and Lani Rafiti from Gateway Care receive cheque from Buderim Foundation’s Rod McKinnon and Rebecca Ramsay – photo by Ross Eason
Buderim Foundation chair Rod McKinnon said Gateway Care Food Centre plays a vital role in providing emergency food relief to families in crisis and those experiencing financial hardship on the Sunshine Coast.
“The Buderim Foundation’s Thompson Charitable Fund is proud to support the Gateway Care Food Centre and their Food Rescue Program,” Rod McKinnon said.
Gateway Care Chair Lani Refiti said the Gateway Care Food Centre is a non-denominational community organisation run entirely by volunteers.
“It currently spends approximately $15,000 per week on food items, ensuring that families in need have access to vital nourishment, and over 50% of these purchases are freely delivered to Sunshine Coast families experiencing financial difficulties.
