Hembrow Sisters Roll Up Their Sleeves and Join Local Charity, Serving Our People

WORDS: Madison Cooper PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

As Christmas approaches, the gift of giving is taking root in South East Queensland.

Leading Gold Coast-based charity Serving Our People (SOP) has received a timely and generous donation from Airgarden, Australia’s leading DIY Aeroponic Growing System.

The donation of a further 12 Airgardens will enable SOP to grow more than 360 fresh, nutrient-dense vegetables and herbs each month, helping to provide essential food support during a time when many Gold Coasters are doing it tough.

The Airgardens will be installed at SOP’s philanthropic Café Served, the country’s first not-for-profit coffee shop where 100% of profits are reinvested into the charity’s programs, which include delivering essential goods and services to vulnerable community members.

With this latest addition, SOP’s fleet of Airgardens will grow to 24 units, capable of producing up to 720 plants a month and 8,640 plants annually, further expanding the charity’s ability to support the local community sustainably.

Chief Business Officer of SOP, Justin Cohen, says the 12 new Airgardens represent more than just a donation, but rather a solution to what is becoming a troubling local and global problem, access to fresh, healthy food.

“Airgarden’s support is a game-changer,” said Mr Cohen.

“With these additional Airgardens, we’re able to grow fresh, high-quality produce right in our car park, which is just unheard of.

“This means we can supply our café and supermarket with sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients— something that would have seemed impossible in such a small space.

“It’s truly innovative and allows us to keep costs down while feeding even more people in need. We’re incredibly grateful for Airgarden’s generosity and their belief in what we do.”

Airgarden, conceptualised in 2007, is celebrated for its self-watering, self-fertilising design, making home- based farming accessible without the need for space or soil. The system allows Café Served to grow nutrient-rich produce quickly and efficiently on-site.The fresh produce—including leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs—will be used at the café and distributed through SOP’s ‘Free Supermarket,’ where community members in need can collect essential items completely free of charge.

For the CEO of Airgarden, Prue Bauer, this donation is just the beginning of their partnership with SOP.

“This donation is only the tip of the iceberg of what we want to achieve working with SOP,” said Prue Bauer, CEO of Airgarden.

“At this time of year, it’s easy to focus on the glitter and excitement of the season, but we can’t forget the people in our community who are struggling. By shining a light on food insecurity and taking action, we are making a real difference.”

With the cost-of-living crisis hitting hard and the holiday season approaching, this initiative ensures SOP can provide even more nutritious produce for those in need.

“We’re not just donating equipment, we’re investing in a better future for the community,” said Ms Bauer.

As SOP looks ahead to the busy holiday season, the Airgardens are a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of community to make meaningful change—one plant at a time.

For more information on Serving Our People or to donate visit www.sop.org.au.