Helping those doing it tough

Caboolture Pool and Fitness has teamed up with members and guests to collect essential items for those doing it tough.

An appeal for blankets, toiletries and non-perishable food resulted in donations, worth hundreds of dollars, filling an SUV more than twice.

They were delivered Caboolture Community Action, Caboolture Living Hope Church and Moreton Bay Community Matters for distribution.

Donations are still being accepted and just this week a organisers said a small boy donated his prize box toy to the cause.

Toni Miller, Access & Inclusion Coordinator at Caboolture Pool and Fitness, said the campaign began as a small way to make a difference.

“We started with the basics, blankets, toiletries and non-perishable food,” she said.

“Donations went above and beyond what we imagined. It’s amazing to see how our community is willing to come together to support others”.

Caboolture Community Action provides outreach, food relief and housing assistance to people experiencing hardship or homelessness in Caboolture and Morayfield. It is volunteer-run and not government-funded.

Moreton Bay Community Matters provides free food hampers to more than 50 families in need each week.

Alongside the donations, Toni has been supporting disadvantaged youth and recently represented Belgravia Leisure’s Moreton Bay venues at the Youth Job Meet.

“It started as a simple idea to help people in our area who need support, but we’ve been inspired by how it brought people together,” she said.

“Whether it’s connecting with young people looking for work or supporting families in need, it shows that a small idea can have a big impact.”

Caboolture Pool and Fitness Venue Manager Kelly Smith said the generosity has been inspiring.

“People want to help where they can, it’s incredible to see how quickly people got behind the drive,” she said. “Our members and staff really care about this community, and it shows.

“At Belgravia Leisure, we talk a lot about creating inclusive spaces and connecting people through leisure and this is that in action.”

The Caboolture Pool and Fitness team hopes to continue working with local organisations and expand their support over time.