THE WHITSUNDAY Neighbourhood Centre, in Cannonvale, has been officially recognised as a Social Trader.
Established in 1989, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre also incorporates Scallywags Child Care and the Community Furniture Shed and Op Shop, all at the same location.
The Social Trader accreditation is awarded to social enterprises that meet standards of a world-recognised framework.
The certification is a way for consumers to know that the business puts people, and the planet, first.
Social Enterprises are led by an economic, social, cultural and environmental mission that benefits the community.
“One of the standards met was the revenue that the centre re-invests to provide support services to the community,” executive officer Rebecca Woods said.
“We are only funded for 48 per cent of what we do, with the remaining 52 per cent generated from the Child Care and Op Shop.”
The centre was established in 1989 to address the emerging social issues facing families in the local community.
Today, the centre has grown to deliver childcare, the op shop, community development, family support, and 55 health and wellbeing programs.
“Our 55 health and wellbeing programs are accessed by 2,380 people each week,” Ms Woods said.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the proceeds from the childcare or the Op Shop.
“Half of our programs are supported from the proceeds of the Op Shop and Child Care.
“We are the only Op Shop that holds certification guaranteeing that every dollar raised goes back into this community.”
