Thanks to the generosity of passengers donating their spare foreign currency at Brisbane Airport (BNE), not-for-profit organisation Youngcare has been given $45,000 to support young people with high care needs and their families.
Last week, representatives from Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) presented a cheque to Youngcare at their Wooloowin Stage II development.
All funds donated to the dedicated Giving Globes located throughout BNE’s International Terminal were collected and converted for free by program partner Travelex.
The funds will be used as part of Youngcare’s national grant program to help keep young people with high care needs, aged 18 – 65, at home with their families and prevents new admissions into inappropriate housing through one-off grants up to $20,000.
Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO, said the importance of supporting the local community has been reaffirmed throughout this challenging year.
“As a proud local company that strongly believes in supporting the community it operates within, this donation is one of many BAC will continue to make through our extensive Philanthropic and Partnerships Program.
“To be able to support the incredible work done by Youngcare is a privilege, as we know it is making a real and meaningful impact to the lives of many people living in our community.”
Anthony Ryan, Youngcare CEO, said: “Youngcare is incredibly grateful for the phenomenal support of Brisbane Airport Corporation over the past twelve months.
“The partnership has not only raised an incredible amount of funds for young people with high care needs but has also provided a platform for the community to gain better insight into the issues faced by young people with disability. We cannot thank the team at Brisbane Airport Corporation enough for the opportunity.”
Jennifer (44) was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 36 years of age. After a period of depression and readjustment, Jennifer is now living in her own home and working part-time. She received a Youngcare grant for air-conditioning to be installed in her bedroom, which has been instrumental in her quality of life. Because of her condition, she cannot regulate her own body temperature. Without the grant she would not be able to sleep properly, would suffer from extreme fatigue and be unable to continue working.
For many young people with high care needs, something as small as this can be the difference between living independently and having to enter inappropriate housing, such as aged care.
This is the fourth year BNE’s Giving Globes have given funds directly to help individuals in need or not-for-profit organisations.
In 2018-2019, $40,000 was raised for Rural Aid’s Buy A Bale, helping Australia’s rural communities and Aussie farmers in need.
In 2017-2018, $40,000 was donated to Burnie Brae’s Project Pantry, providing pensioners with access to low-cost nutritional food and living essentials through monthly market days, as well as providing emergency food relief to families and individuals experiencing financial hardship.
In its first year, the $40,000 donated by travellers was used to help a local Brisbane man who lost his hands and feet after contracting a meningococcal infection.
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