EPIC Assist (EPIC) has a proud tradition of giving back to local communities. Inclusive communities enable meaningful participation for people with disability, whether in employment, sports, or recreational activities.
In 2016 we supported a range of community initiatives through sponsorships, events, and community grants. Here’s a snapshot of some of the activities we backed in 2016.
Sponsorships
EPIC sponsored a number of sporting teams as part of our commitment to help build healthier communities across Australia. We understand the importance of sponsorships in keeping sporting programs affordable for families, and demonstrating the importance of active and inclusive lifestyles at all ages.
In 2016 we sponsored a number of sporting teams including the North Lakes Eels Junior AFL Football Club. This growing club measures their success on factors more important than the final score – promoting the value of teamwork, laughter and friendship, expressed both on and off the field.
We also proudly sponsored the Balmoral Elite Cycling Team at the Balmoral Cycling Club, an organisation with close ties to their community. The Club caters to the needs of all members through programs such as the Junior Development Program and para-cycling program.
Through the generous donation from our fleet partner, Custom Fleet Queensland, we were able to provide much needed sporting equipment for Dylan, a young wheelchair basketball player who has his sights set on the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
Events
EPIC’s flagship event of the year was the recent art exhibition in celebration of International Day of People with Disability (3 December). Entitled #TheFutureWeWant, the exhibition shone a light on the diverse talents and contributions of people with disability within the community. Artists exhibited their works free of charge, and no commissions were taken by EPIC or our venue, Aspire Gallery.
EPIC hosted multiple events during the week to provide participants, employers, business partners, and visitors an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of the importance of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our communities.
Community grants
Our biannual community grants program funded two outstanding projects this year.
The Zonta Club of Brisbane East was awarded the Round 1 grant to provide funding for their LOVE BiTES project – a school based domestic and family violence, and sexual assault prevention program for Years 9 and 10 high school students.
Round 2 was awarded to the Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre to provide funding towards an after-school weekly activity program called ‘Things 2 Do’. The program will provide a supportive environment for primary school students who are disadvantaged, highly vulnerable or at-risk. This round of Community Grants was EPIC’s most highly-contested to date, with 89 submissions received.
With such a successful year almost behind us, we now look forward to 2017 – a new year full of possibilities for the participants, employers and communities we proudly serve each day.