A $25,000 grant from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) to LeaderLife has enabled the purchase of an industrial tractor in Dubbo.
LeaderLife, one of 38 charities to receive funding as part of the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation’s 2023 Employee Connected Grants program, received the grant to purchase the tractor, which is essential for establishing a sustainable syntropic agroforest.
Andrew Gordon, State Business Manager for Queensland at CCEP, nominated LeaderLife for the grant.
“Johanna Leader, the founder of LeaderLife, is a lifelong friend and an inspiration. Her unparalleled ability to empower and instil a sense of purpose has enabled LeaderLife to create programs that profoundly change and save young people’s lives. This funding will ensure LeaderLife continues to forge a bright and secure future where young Australians can flourish in challenging environments.”
LeaderLife in Dubbo has dedicated itself to ‘loving kids back to life’, actively transforming the lives of marginalised young people. The organisation tackles social issues including early school leaving, unemployment, and youth incarceration by offering training, mentoring, and paid employment for at-risk youth.
The tractor will help in establishing a sustainable syntropic agroforest. This initiative merges traditional farming with aquaponics, animal husbandry, and beekeeping, aiming to grow fish, yabbies, and fresh organic produce while providing at-risk youth holistic support, hands-on training, and paid employment, combating the challenges they face in mainstream education and work environments.
Malcolm Hudson, Chair of the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation, said it’s a privilege for the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation to support charities that resonate deeply with the Coca-Cola workforce through the Employee Connected Grants program.
“The initiatives funded by these grants reflect the diverse needs of our communities. Through collective effort, we aim to make a lasting impact, building a more resilient and sustainable future for all Australians.”
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