What began as a simple act of kindness from a sparkie between jobs has blossomed into a lifeline for thousands of North Queensland schoolchildren. The charity Fuel for Schools now provides an astonishing 9000 meals each week to kids who would otherwise go hungry, thanks to a significant grant boost.
From a Christmas Tree to 9000 Meals a Week
Paddy Pool, the organisation's Operations Manager, never set out to run a major charity. He initially offered to help his wife Paula and her friend, former teacher Demelza Gardem, with a small school project. The catalyst was a heartbreaking moment in a classroom.
"They were making Christmas decorations and one of the kids didn't even know what they were because he'd never had a Christmas tree," Mr Pool explains. The family, with five children using plastic bags as school bags, received a tree and backpacks from the group.
That single gesture six years ago sparked an annual backpack drive. When a teacher mentioned the critical need for food, the mission evolved. "Away we went, that's how Fuel for Schools started," Mr Pool said.
Filling Bellies and Improving School Lives
Fuel for Schools now supplies food to schools across North Queensland to run breakfast clubs. These clubs serve a vital dual purpose: ensuring children are nourished and encouraging school attendance.
"Kids come to school without having breakfast and most of them probably haven't even had dinner the night before," Mr Pool said. He notes that some clubs feed between 200 and 300 children every single day.
The impact is profound and measurable. Schools have provided impact statements showing the breakfast clubs lead to increased attendance rates and improved behaviour in the classroom. By removing the embarrassment of an empty stomach, the charity gives children a genuine chance to focus and succeed in their education.
CommBank Grant Fuels Essential Backpack Program
The charity's incredible growth and impact have been recognised with a CommBank Community Grant. This funding will directly support Fuel for Schools' annual backpack program, which equips children with the essentials for learning.
"Every year, we hand out between 1500 and 2000 school backpacks with everything in them that a kid needs to start school," Mr Pool said. Each bag contains items like a water bottle, books, notepads, pens, pencils, and a hat.
Nathan Barker, Executive Manager of Community Investment at CommBank, praised the charity's grassroots work. "Fuel for Schools is doing amazing work to make a real difference and our grants are designed to make sure that impact extends further," Mr Barker said.
This year, thanks to staff generosity, CommBank awarded 180 grants of $20,000 each to community organisations nationwide through its Staff Foundation. The program allows bank employees to nominate causes meaningful to them, ensuring funding reaches vital grassroots initiatives like Fuel for Schools.
