Help Us Keep The Lights On!

The "Keep The Lights On Campaign" is vital in assisting GPAI to 'keep doing what it's doing' which is empowering people with intellectual disabilities to realise their full potential in sport, business and life. With a retail store in Currie Street, admin offices and a Charity Golf Shop, GPAI provides a remarkable and impressive range of opportunities for golfers who opt to participate in this pathway, created just for them!

Without doubt the sporting activity of golf has provided great outcomes and testimonies for people living with intellectual disabilities, autism, mental health disorders & those recovering from stroke. Our Programs have allowed us to think 'outside the box' in terms of what is and what is not achievable. First the golf..... and we dream from there.

The Golf Program.

Golf Programs Australia Incorporated (GPAI) has developed and delivered successful golf programs for underprivileged groups and individuals in the disability community since 2014. The charity was formed in May, 2015 and today GPAI delivers the largest golf program for intellectually disabled golfers in Australia, measured in terms of consistent weekly participation over a long period. We have over 30 golfers engaged in the Sunshine Coast weekly program. We offer access to 6 Golf Tournaments via the Special Olympics pathway and GPAI hosts an annual Golf Tournament for disabilities, held at Palmer Coolum Golf Course 2023/24. Our brightly signed bus and trailer GPAI arranges pickup and drop off for athletes and carers at various golf and other events. We focus on being Inclusive, Supportive & Invested!

The Journey.

The first & most successful golf program was designed for individuals living with an intellectual disability. Today GPAI has expanded its programs to include a pathway for our golfers into social enterprise training which operates in a dedicated retail space located in Nambour Queensland. More recently the charity expanded into recycling, upcycling and circular economy so our golfers can experience more creative & operational opportunities in our refurbished studio.

The Retail Store & Social Enterprise Training.

GPAI Creative is a self funding retail model manned by volunteers and staff, guided by GPAI Secretary /BDM Michelle Dalton & the organisation's President / PGA Professional Darrell Dalton. The Retail Store and Basement studio are used creatively to incorporate the charity's administrative hub, retail space and large Charity Golf Pro-Shop manned by our disability social enterprise students.

Just 1 of GPAI's Social Enterprise Trainee Success Stories.

Renee Ruming

Renee was born with Down Syndrome. She joined the GPAI golf program in 2014 and was one of the first golfers to become a student in our bespoke social enterprise pathway when it opened in December 2016. Michelle Dalton (Mentor) works collaboratively with Renee who remains a big part of the store as at 2024. Loved by customers and members for her bubbly welcome and a memory to match any AI, Renee is a great success story. So confident to setup the store, follow her worksheet, manage membership, giftwrapping, phone calls, tours to the golf shop, merchandising, pricing new items and receive donations with a smile. Renee has her own Social Enterprise brand "ROVING RENEE" developed to increase her independence in creativity and design. Colourful fabric bags, wallets & cushions all with Renee's unique heart design. A reflection of both her capability & personality. No pie in the sky...just steak on the plate! Renee had her own ABC Sunshine Coast POD CAST which we operated from the store. Sadly Covid ended this opportunity however there is a new option in the pipeline to revive her POD CASTS and enable Renee to interview people with disabilities and talent once again. And like Renee we have found our golfers have many hidden talents - they just need a nudge!

Maintaining Momentum & Paying the Bills

GPAI Creative is seeking community support via its "Keep The Lights On Campaign" to assist in maintaining the viability of its retail space, Charity Pro Shop and Commuter Bus with Trailer. The Retail Shop acts as a community outreach and social enterprise training hub for our intellectually disabled students, only available to enrolled GPAI Golf Athletes.

The Cost: With multiple Leases, golf venue costs, registration fees, mechanical & fuel costs, Insurances, wages and utilities escalating monthly we need financial support to keep the lights on, the bus tracking, the golfers golfing and our charity maintaining all services & opportunities.

Any donation of $2 or more is tax-deductible. GPAI is not Government funded, but self funded by our own efforts, with the additional support from the Community keeping us on track. Help us to ensure we can continue to pay the basic operational costs of the charity and provide unique opportunities, meaningful training and employment for people living with intellectual disabilities and mental health disorders. Any donation make a difference!

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