A helping hand for community groups in COVID

TWO big hearted Noosa based businesses have come to the rescue of community and sporting groups to help them bounce back from COVID-19.

The pandemic has severely hampered the functions and finances of Noosa’s 300 not for profit community organisations groups, as they battle to implement COVIDSafe guidelines.

When approached by council staff, the reply was swift from Tozer and Co and the Supply Guys, formerly known as RapidClean Sunshine Coast.

Tozer and Co generously donated $100,000 worth of hospital grade cleaning and sanitiser products and The Supply Guys has come to the party with a pallet load of toilet paper and five cartons of long life milk.

Mayor Clare Stewart praised the two businesses for their generosity.

“Our COVID Response Grants program was oversubscribed and with only limited funds available, gestures like this that typify our community spirit,” she said.

Tozer and Co Director David Tozer said community groups are the lifeblood of our shire.

“We are all doing it tough but the coronavirus puts a lot of things into perspective so it’s important we support those local groups that enhance our community and wellbeing,” he said.

Mr Tozer’s direct association with supplier Hydroshield resulted in the company happily coming to the party with high grade, organic cleaning and sanitiser products which will be distributed to as many community groups as possible.

Mr Tozer has even set up a Go Fund Me page and provided a $2,500 initial donation to kick off long term funding support for local groups.

The Supply Guys owner Craig Beardmore said it’s vital to give these groups a helping hand.

“They rely on hard working volunteers and if we have the ability to assist, then we have an obligation to ensure they have capacity to thrive into the future,” he said.

Over 50 organisations are currently facing financial hardship or have changed their service delivery model post COVID, so the free gifts are certainly a godsend.

Community Development Manager Alison Hamblin said the support is overwhelming.

“It’s been a tough year for many of these groups and it would be devastating to lose them as it would have damaging social consequences for our community now and into the future,” she said.