There has been an overwhelming positive response to our donation campaign launched last September. At the time of writing, you have so generously gifted a total of $72,334.26 in the three programs combined. The SSAC board members have enormous gratitude for these funds which along with activities and food revenue help us to keep going and offer the myriad of services we do.
To maintain our low food prices, we set a target of $10,000 for the Affordable Lunch Campaign. It was a heartwarming success with over $8,000 being donated, with over $2,500 of that being raised through the donation box on the lunch counter. This illustrates the caring we see at the Centre not only in donations but in your actions towards each other. We have increased our target for the Affordable Lunch Campaign to $15,000 for the new year, and are confident we will be able to hold strong with the economical food prices, despite rising costs.
The General Revenue Fund was the benefactor of donations large and small to a total of almost $47,000. Every dollar of this was important in the battle to keep pace with costs associated with running and maintaining the SSAC.
We established the SSAC Endowment Fund in September 2023 through the Sunshine Coast Foundation. Although we set a target of $100,000, it was not anticipated that this fund would build quickly. The intent of this fund is to ensure long term financial sustainability. Currently, there is close to $17,000 in the fund based on donations and accrued interest. In the new year we can anticipate close to $1,000 in investment interest to be paid out as the beginning of the yearly income stream. The beauty of the Endowment Fund is that the principal remains, yet the interest accrued is paid to us each year as cash to supplement the general revenue stream. If the SSAC has become important to your life, please think of this avenue of gifting. You can gift any time into the SSAC Endowment Fund through the Sunshine Coast Foundation website. If you are estate planning, consider a bequest to the SSAC. The fund has already received a $5,000 donation in memoriam of a family member. Alternatively, when organising a Celebration of Life, ask for a donation to the SSAC Endowment Fund, in lieu of flowers. The donations would truly be the gift that keeps on giving.
Thank you for trusting us to use your money wisely. We strive to continue making the Centre the best it can be for our members and ensure its long-term future.
