A CEDARTON-based business has raised $1,100 to help underprivileged kids thrive in school, resulting in 440 fruit packs being distributed through the charity organisation Inclusive Kids.
The family-owned and operated business, A.K. Cabinets, raised the funds with their unique Fudge Jar initiative. In this initiative, A.K. Cabinets owner Alf Kwarcianyi puts a gold coin into the Fudge Jar whenever he sees an NRL player swearing on TV during the 2024 season.
Alf said, “It’s a fun way to raise money,” with clients also donating extra money to the Fudge Jar at A.K. Cabinet’s annual Christmas party. The savings from this year’s efforts equalled $1,100, which the local business decided to donate to the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay-based charity Inclusive Kids.
The organisation runs a program called Fuel For School that gives kids a free fruit pack, helping them concentrate better and thrive in school.
According to Inclusive Kids, approximately 15 percent of all children and young people attend school every day without lunch, which causes behavioural and health problems. With this year’s donation, Inclusive Kids will be able to give out 440 Fuel For School packs.
Alf, who has been doing his Fudge Jar for years, chose Inclusive Kids as this year’s charity after learning about a local Sunshine Coast businessman, Emmett Ryan, in November 2024. Ryan attempted a Guinness World Record for the farthest distance travelled while pushing a mower in 24 hours to raise money for the organisation.
Alf and his wife, Janet, would like to encourage anyone else thinking of donating to local charities to consider Inclusive Kids. Coin collection boxes are available from the Inclusive Kids website to make fundraising easier: www.inclusivekids.com.au.