The Harcourts Foundation has provided a grant to St Giles to purchase point-of-sale registers for their Kitchen program, supporting young Tasmanians with disabilities.
The Announcement:
The Harcourts Foundation has awarded a grant to St Giles, enabling the purchase of three portable point-of-sale registers for their Kitchen program.
St Giles, a Tasmanian organization dedicated to supporting young people with disabilities, has been running the Kitchen program since 2021.
The program has seen more than 30 Tasmanians with disabilities participate in a week-long baking and retail experience.
The new point-of-sale registers will support the sale of St Giles Kitchen pizzas and sourdoughs at various events, including Launceston’s Harvest Farmers Market, AGFEST, the Tasmanian Craft Fair, and Launceston Festival.
Belinda Dowde, Harcourts Foundation Ambassador Tasmania, emphasized the impact of the grant.
“Harcourts Foundation realises the difference a grant can make to organisations like St Giles across our community, and to see participants going away from this program with skills to help them enter the workforce is truly inspiring,” Ms Dowde said.
Scott Gelston from St Giles outlined the organisation’s long-term goals.
“St Giles long term goal is to be able to continue to develop and provide innovative and financially and socially sustainable solutions to the life challenges facing young Tasmanians living with disability through St Giles Kitchen and other social enterprises,” Mr Gelston said.
Mr Gelston highlighted the multiple benefits of the program to the community.
“Firstly, our cohort of young adults with a disability had an educational and inspiring session learning kitchen and retail skills,” he said.
“Our broader local community then had the opportunity to meet and interact with our young adults, breaking down stigma and barriers around those with a disability.
“Since completing the project, some members of our cohort have gone on to paid employment because of the skills learned at St Giles Kitchen.”
Mr Gelston expressed gratitude for the Harcourts Foundation’s support.
“Thank you to Harcourts Foundation for this investment in our St Giles Kitchen program. Your generosity ensures the program can continue to train and up skill young adults with a disability for years to come,” he said.
The grant will help St Giles continue its 85-year commitment to creating and providing therapeutic programs that help young Tasmanians with disabilities to thrive.
