STEPS Charity were the proud recipients of a 12 seat luxury transport vehicle donation for the STEPS Pathways College students at Shadforth’s head office today.
The Sunshine Coast based, Pathways College, is the first educational facility of its kind in Australia teaching young adults with a disability the skills towards a life of independence.
STEPS Charity said they’re incredibly grateful to receive this extremely valuable luxury vehicle as it’s very rare to see such generous one-off donations from their supporters.
The Pathways College is expanding in 2020 to accommodate their growing needs, and thanks to the ongoing partnership forged with Shadforth, the students now have a vehicle to enable them to connect with the community for everyday transport to shops, facilities and recreation as well as excursions as part of their training.
Shadforth managing director Ray Shadforth said they are focused on building sustainable communities through great relationships, such as their ongoing partnership with STEPS Charity.
“Attending the annual STEPS Grand Winter Ball for the past few years has really opened my eyes to the great work their team does for our local community,” Ray said.
“Gifting this transport vehicle to STEPS Charity will enable STEPS Pathways College students to get out and about and further interact with the community.”
Shadforth is one of Queensland’s largest family-owned civil construction companies with more than 700 staff working for the Sunshine Coast business.
STEPS managing director Carmel Crouch said she is extremely thankful for the ongoing partnership between Shadforth and STEPS, and incredibly grateful for their generosity.
“Shadforth is a great example of a modern and socially conscious Sunshine Coast company that authentically integrates purpose into their business,” Carmel said.
“This level of support through a one-off donation is very rare, it is our single biggest donation of the year, and the impact this has on the Pathways College and the students’ day-to-day living is enormous.
“Shadforth are a wonderful community supporter and I am so grateful to Ray and his team for this fabulous gift.”
The College students, were there for the bus presentation and handover, they previously took part in a fun photo shoot to capture the image that is now featured through branding on the donated transport vehicle, branding which will be a mobile sign board to remind, inform and reiterate what STEPS does for many local families.
STEPS Pathways College is experiencing an exciting new phase of growth as the College continues to evolve and expand with the success of their first cohort – now graduated and living independently in the community, and a new cohort of students that now have the opportunity to develop the skills required for their own life of independence.
A brand new two story unit to accommodate new boarding program students will be built as an extension to the existing Murphy House building at the Caloundra campus in 2020.
The expansion will allow even more boarding students to reside in modern, fully fitted and contained units designed to replicate an independent living environment, alongside the day student program, while learning via the holistic, innovative teaching model that is STEPS Pathways College.
STEPS Charity is committed to making a difference by providing opportunity and a brighter future for people with a disability. For more information on partnering with STEPS Charity contact 07 5458 3000.
