The Early Bird Café that operates in the Sydney CBD will continue to provide a hot breakfast to those in need thanks to a $10,000 grant from energy provider, Jemena.
The Early Bird Café is a 100 per cent volunteer run organisation which helps combat hunger for those experiencing homelessness by providing breakfast, a hot drink and a smile for those who need it.
Organiser, Marilyn Smith OAM said last year the Early Bird Café provided over 54,000 meals to those experiencing homelessness and hunger in Sydney city.
"This year, we are forecasting that our breakfast program will deliver over 100,000 meals. Jemena's support will assist us to provide 3,500 meals. That's 3,500 breakfasts for those in need on our streets," she said.
"Jemena is making a huge difference to the lives of 3500 people. Thankyou from all at Early Bird Café."
Now in its seventh year, Jemena's Community Grants Program has already provided about $870,000 in funding to 85 community groups. This includes $70,000 awarded earlier this year to initiatives supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For its second round of grants in 2025, Jemena invited applications for initiatives that address disadvantage from not-for-profit organisations, schools, and charities delivering projects across Jemena's electricity and gas distribution networks. Pleasingly, this year, 16 community groups will share in over $163,000 of funding.
Craig Ypinazar, Jemena's Executive General Manager, People, Safety and Governance said the company was committed to supporting the most vulnerable in the communities in which it operates.
"Local volunteer organisations are at the heart of their communities. We can see from the type of applications we received that cost of living is still a major concern for many in our community. These grants can go some way towards assisting those who really need it." Mr Ypinazar said.
"This year we have provided assistance to a range of different services including food programs, multicultural outreach programs, and an animal rescue that supports disadvantaged pet owners, especially those escaping domestic and family violence."
