EPIC has proven their commitment to the local community by connecting with The Breakfast Club Redcliffe. Running since 2003, the Breakfast Club currently serves in excess of 500 meals a month to those in need of a helping hand. Regular guests include homeless people, and individuals or families with low incomes.
Until recently, The Breakfast Club’s building rent has been covered by a local business, but they have been in desperate need of financial support since that sponsorship lapsed. EPIC Assist Kippa-Ring employment consultant Tammy-Lee Nash met with The Breakfast Club to hear about their important work.
“The average number of meals served each day has increased to between 50 and 60 per day, with a record of 80 meals for the homeless and disadvantaged,” explained Tammy-Lee.
“With this increase of needs, they desperately required funding to allow them to continue helping those in need.”
Tammy took the time to explain The Breakfast Club’s situation with EPIC CEO Bill Gamack, who was keen to support this worthy organisation.
“We were delighted when Bill agreed to EPIC covering The Breakfast Club’s rent for two months. This organisation has become very close to my heart, and it makes a real difference in the lives of many local people,” said Tammy-Lee.
But it’s not all about getting a great quality meal at The Breakfast Club. For many guests, the most important thing is the chance to mix with other people in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Ages of people attending range from babies to people in their 80s.
The Breakfast Club is funded entirely by donations from local businesses, churches and other groups and staffed by volunteers. Tammy-Lee says it has been a privilege to help The Breakfast Club in any way we can.
“I got in contact with Michelle and Helen from The Breakfast Club before Christmas, and we’ve been able to organise sponsorship of a meal as well as several donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries,” said Tammy-Lee.
“I have also been working with my colleagues at Kippa-Ring office to arrange donations of winter items including blankets, towels, warm clothes, jackets and running shoes.”
Tammy-Lee made the donation of the winter items to The Breakfast Club recently when she volunteered with the organisation alongside two other EPIC staff members.
“We had a massive response from the community and managed to donate three car loads of winter clothes, blankets, food items and personal products,” said Tammy-Lee.
“It was a fabulous afternoon and we assisted in preparing and serving 62 meals to disadvantaged and homeless people.”
EPIC will continue to work closely with The Breakfast Club, making donations and helping out wherever possible.
“This has been a very heart-warming experience,” said Tammy-Lee.