Charities benefit from the generosity of Redlanders at community breakfast

The event founded by Sheena Hewlett was held on Friday at the Redlands RSL.

In its fifth year, the breakfast has helped a number of organisations around the city.

This year the proceeds will go to the Cage Youth Foundation and Redland Community Centre.

Mrs Hewlett said the breakfast gained more momentum every year.

“I’m thrilled that our event sponsors continue to support our breakfast each year,” she said.

Guests at the event included Australian swimming champion Julie MacDonald, North Stradbroke Island artist and Gold Coast Commonwealth Games medal designer Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Senator Claire Moore and MPs Mick de Brenni, Kim Richards and Don Brown.

Redland Community Centre general manager Allison Wicks said they helped people doing it tough across the city.

She said they supported people who were going through domestic violence, unemployed, enduring financial hardships, sick, needing social interaction, needing food relief or trying to find work.

Managing director of the Cage Youth Foundation Linda Grieve said they helped people going through many situations.

“We all have a moment when we need a listening ear,” she said.

Springwood MP and Sports Minister Mick de Brenni recognised sports people from Redlands and Queensland and their achievements during the Commonwealth Games.

Among them was para-athlete Paige Leonhardt of Mount Cotton who won a silver medal for swimming.

“For her to win a silver for Team Australia at 17 in her first Commonwealth Games, I am sure she will go on to amazing achievements,” he said.

Mr de Brenni said the government would continue to invest in sport at a grassroots level.

He said sport built the community, helped create confident young people and encouraged team-work.