The STEPS team in greater Cairns has once again gone above and beyond, raising an outstanding $11,494 for STEPS Pathways College in the 2024-25 financial year, exceeding their $10,000 target.
Chloe Hunter, the Cairns Participant Support Officer, said that she is over the moon about her community’s fundraising success.
“This is all thanks to the incredible generosity of our STEPS Cairns regional team, local businesses, and our enthusiastic participants,” Chloe said.
“We not only exceeded our $10,000 goal but also surpassed last year’s total. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed and helped make this happen.”
Fundraising activities ranged from gold coin donation lunches and contributions from local businesses to a successful pop-up op shop which was launched, marketed and operated by Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) participants in the STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program.
The op-shop idea was born from a fundraising planning session, where STEPS team members and participants brainstormed meaningful ways to support STEPS Pathways College, the first and only College of its kind in Australia for young adults with a disability and autism.
The business participants quickly took the reins, applying their coursework in a practical and meaningful way. They led promotional efforts, designing flyers and rallying support through group chats.
Soon, donations poured in from across the region—clothes, books, toys, shoes, and more—all generously gifted by staff, participants, and volunteers.
Last year, the Cairns team raised $11,314, smashing their $8,000 goal, and now they’ve backed it up with another record-breaking effort.
With big hearts, clever thinking, and community support, our Cairns team is helping to create brighter futures for STEPS Pathways College students.
