Almost $400,000 raised at SERVING OUR PEOPLE Lunch for Gold Coasters in need

WORDS: Madison Cooper PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Hundreds of local philanthropists, business leaders and community supporters united on Friday at Serving Our People’s annual People’s Lunch presented by Kollosche, raising almost $400,000 to support vulnerable Gold Coasters.

The funds raised will be directed immediately into Serving Our People’s 21 humanitarian programs, including the People’s Markets which provide free groceries, school meal support for children, the Gold Coast’s biggest Christmas Day lunch for the homeless and the Served Academy which offers
training and employment pathways for individuals experiencing hardship.

Among those whose lives have been transformed by one of SOP’s programs is Maria who moved to the Gold Coast from Mexico in search of a better future. Maria struggled to find work and often skipped meals just so she could afford rent. That was until Maria walked into the Peoples Market for
the first time during one of the hardest moments of her life.

After speaking with volunteers, Maria was introduced to the Served Academy where she trained as a barista, regained her confidence and began volunteering to help others, leading to a full-time job at Served Cafe.

“When I discovered Serving Our People, I was genuinely shocked as nothing like this exists back home in Mexico,” said Maria, “I walked through their doors hungry, anxious and terrified about what my future might look like, and instead I was met with people who cared deeply and people who saw me as a human being, not a problem to solve.”

“The Academy gave me skills, stability and a chance to stand on my own feet again. I am living proof of what generosity can do, Serving Our People changes lives like mine every single day and it’s only possible because the community chooses to show up for us.”
Serving Our People founder Yas Matbouly said this year’s event was a powerful reminder of what a community can achieve when it stands together.

“Every person who walked into that room didn’t just attend a lunch, they showed up for someone who’s doing it tough right now,” said Mr Matbouly.

“Seeing that level of compassion in one place stays with you and it reminds you why we do this. The funds raised will put real food on real tables this Christmas. They’ll keep programs like The Served Academy alive for the people who rely on them to rebuild their confidence, their skills, their footing.

That’s the kind of impact you feel for a long time.”

Having delivered more than $9.9 million in direct community support and $59.8 million worth of volunteer hours since its establishment, SOP remains committed to delivering dignity, relief and compassion to every Gold Coaster who needs someone to show up for them.

“Serving Our People makes a real difference in this community every single day,” said Mr Kollosche.

“You see it in the families they support and in the dignity they help restore. Events like this remind us of what’s possible when our community comes together with genuine heart to support those in need.

We’re proud to play a small part in the impact they’re making for so many local families.”