Following an address in 2022 to one of our evening meetings by the Founder and CEO of the NFP For Change Co., Tenille Gilbert, the Welfare of the Young Committee sought a proposal around a specific and sustainable need that we might help to fund. For Change Co. runs a number of cafes around Melbourne, staffed by young people who are trained in hospitality and who might otherwise be homeless.
After further engagement, it was determined that we could usefully finance a new venture – the development of ‘Catering for Change’ into its pilot phase. This arm of the organisation enables their cafes to offer a catering service for private parties, corporates etc., thereby providing an additional revenue stream that in turn can be invested back into the business.
We recommended, and Rotary Melbourne Board agreed, that we should seed $5,000 towards the pilot, with the promise of a further $5,000 if it proved successful. Tenille recently reported back to the Committee that it had indeed been a success, including
The second half of our commitment has therefore been released, and we will continue to monitor progress and no doubt consider further assistance with this program or any other that may help keep our young people in employment.
In the first year of the Catering for Change Project, we supported 15 new trainees aged 15-24.
A great example of a Rotary partnership!
Please look at the inspirational annual report of For Change Co. here:
For Change Co.'s Annual Impact Report for FY23
