The foundations for ThriveCru was laid in 2018, when a small group of friends realised the needs of some families in our community could be easily met by approaching local supermarkets. Multiple food rescue relationships were established back then to assist those families. With the support of another local charity, we started a small operation from our cars. This uncovered a huge need for additional services to better support our community.
Our mission soon became clear. What started out as a rescue of food from landfill very soon became a rescue of people in our community from feelings of despair, loneliness and hopelessness.
In 2020, we started the process of registering ThriveCru Ltd as an Independent Australian Charity.
We are proud that during 2020, we managed to rescue approximately $990,000 worth of food from landfill and we supported up to a 1000 people a week. Our operation ran 7 days a week for 50 weeks of the year.
During the 2 years we have learned that most families, women in particular, need more than a food box. Often there are more serious crises in their lives. They may be in a relationship of abuse and/or violence and unable to flee.
We’ve learned that even if they can escape, they are faced with ongoing trauma and need help to rebuild their lives and reclaim their sense of self.
This experience deeply affected our team of volunteers and our vision for 2021 and beyond has evolved.
Our vision for the future is to not only support families with food but also empower them, particularly women who need to flee from trauma, find a safe haven, rebuild their lives and reclaim their sense of self.
In addition to our current ongoing operation, our goal for 2021 is to start developing a 12-week program that restores, rebuilds and empowers the primary caregivers in a family that needed to separate from their partners due to abuse and relationship breakdown. Our heart is to restore self-worth, rebuild purpose and empower them to re-join the workforce if they are currently unemployed.
An immediate safe refuge where they can come to seek advice at our new premises called “The Shack”.
Trauma counselling to rebuild their self-esteem.
Employment guidance to ensure future independence.
Referral to legal services for advice on separation and divorce.
Financial counselling to manage the family budget.
Restoring self-worth with advice on nutrition, exercise, sleep, meditation, neurofeedback, and massage.
Sustainable food redistribution