The tenth anniversary of OzHarvest Sunshine Coast and Gympie will be a bittersweet celebration for the founder, Michele Lipner OAM, its many volunteers, food donors, charities and supporters who have been part of the food rescue organisation’s remarkable journey.
Bittersweet because Michele, who started OzHarvest Sunshine Coast out of her home garage in August 2014, is stepping down as Chapter Coordinator at the tenth anniversary celebration to be held at the Maroochy RSL Events Centre on 22 August.
“At our tenth anniversary we will be able to reflect on our accomplishments,” Michele said.
“With everyone’s ongoing support, this Chapter will continue to go from strength to strength. I am so very proud of what we have all achieved in ten years. We have made a huge difference in our community.”
OzHarvest Sunshine Coast amd Gympie has certainly made a huge impact in the last ten years, most importantly, saving 1.1 million kilograms of food waste from landfill – the equivalent of more than 2.8 million meals. Those meals have nourished many people in need at 50 local schools, charities, community centres, churches and community programs from Gympie down to Caloundra and inland to the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
However, the focus hasn’t just been on food rescue and distribution.
The Sunshine Coast and Gympie Chapter has established education programs at local schools, started team-building events for local businesses (Cooking for a Cause), created a strong community outreach program through presentations, displays and information stalls – and even published a recipe book, SunnyCoast Eats.
Ten years ago, there were three volunteers, four food donors and three charity recipients.
Now there are 140 volunteers, 35 food donors and 50 charities.
What a wonderful legacy Michele has left the local community, and what significant opportunity remains to help feed local people in need and advocate for zero waste.
