KickStart for Kids has announced the opening of a new million-dollar warehouse and office space, creating a central hub for their operations after generous donations and support came from a range of South Australian businesses.
Having completed construction at the end of 2020, the large purpose-built facility has allowed KickStart for Kids to reach more disadvantaged children and has enabled the training of new volunteers, the up-skilling of volunteers, and provided the charity with a communal place to call home.
Located at 87 James Melrose Road, across the road from the entrance to the Glenelg Golf Club KickStart for Kids founder, Ian Steel OAM, is thrilled to finally share the new space, that has been over two years in the making, with the rest of the community.
“I am so excited that we are finally able to show our wonderful new space to the public! COVID delayed our grand opening last year, so myself and the team are keen to showcase it – we’re all extremely proud,” says Ian.
“The successful project is all thanks to the outstanding support from a large number of SA companies who donated their time, materials and labour valued at around $500,000.
“We also received an overwhelming $900,000 in cash donations including $200,000 from Variety SA”.
“Our new headquarters allows us to reach more disadvantaged children than ever before, being able to deliver more of our programs to schools across South Australia and provides us with the opportunity to grow our footprint even wider which is what is needed as the need for our services continues to grow, especially over the last 12 months.”
South Australian property developer, Emmett, was a major contributor to the project, organising trades and project managing the entire construction process free of charge and the Ahrens Group and Bluescope Steel provided all the structural steel and all the roll-formed roofing and cladding free of charge.
Emmett’s Managing Director, Nick Emmett, describes his decision to work with KickStart for Kids on the project.
“Particularly in recent times, it is beholden on all of us to do what we can for those around us. KickStart for Kids plays an essential role in helping disadvantaged kids get the most from their education,” says Nick.
“This work is vitally important to the whole community and so it was an easy decision to get involved and pull together our suppliers and subcontractors to help deliver the new facility for them.”
KickStart For Kids is a not-for-profit organisation that helps disadvantaged school children in South Australia achieve positive educational outcomes and increased self-esteem through school breakfast and lunch programs, mentoring programs and their Camp KickStart school holiday care program.
Their most recent campaign, KickStart for Kids Against Period Poverty, aims to raise awareness, support and funds for young South Australians experiencing period poverty.
KickStart for Kids is always looking for donations and volunteers – to learn how you can help with either of their programs, go to: www.kickstartforkids.com.au
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