August 20, 2020
Homeless Nonprofit Turning to Qoin to Raise Urgent Funds
A Tweed Heads based non-profit helping the homeless and needy has been forced to double its capacity due to the pandemic and it’s using Australia’s newest digital currency to raise vital funds.
Agape Outreach Inc, which supports individuals and families from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay, is turning to Australia’s newest digital currency Qoin to increase donations as the number of people in need spikes due to COVID-19.
Founder Theresa Mitchell who established the homeless service 11 years ago says, “To give you an idea, we were helping 400 people per week and we’re now helping 700.”
A volunteer since the age of 18, Theresa has turned her passion for helping the homeless into an organisation of 120 volunteers. Operating at the coal face, Agape Outreach Inc has a mobile van and service headquarters in Tweed Heads, New South Wales.
Agape Outreach Inc has turned to Qoin to urgently raise funds as the southern Queensland and northern New South Wales community faces Winter and the effects of the global pandemic.
“Qoin is a fundraising opportunity and offers our non-profit more exposure.
“We have to remember it is still Winter and we are in the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of services aren’t open and running, people are suffering out there.
“If people make donations in Qoin, we can then spend those donations on trade services within the Qoin network. We need to get our venue up to scratch for council regulations and we’re still fitting out the last of our kitchen.”
Largely dependent on the goodwill of individuals and businesses, Agape Outreach Inc also intends to leverage the Qoin network to build relationships with local businesses.
“Qoin will give us more connections to more businesses. We’re dependent on community support to run. We need to be able to find those connections within the community. It’s community supporting community.”
At their community centre in Tweed Heads, the organisation’s volunteers provide essential support and services, including assistance with housing and appointments, shower and laundry access, food hampers and life skill development, including sewing, cooking and barista classes.
“When we’re out in the van, we’re handing out hot meals and clothing, and taking registrations for further support from those in need.
“The organisation will always be volunteer based. I’m here every day making sure all areas operate. I also life coach people for emotional support and provide training and support to our staff, as well as connect them to accredited training.
“A large part of my role is educating people on homelessness.”
The charity’s cornerstone event is the annual Heart of Women Awards run every year during International Women’s Week in March and it will be seeking donations and sponsorships in Qoin for its 2021 event.
Held at the Palazzo Versace hotel on the Gold Coast, Queensland, the awards feature 12 categories, including youth, entrepreneur of the year and woman of the year, that are judged by local businesses and charity leaders in the area.
“The awards recognise those who have compassion in their heart. They can be women working in voluntary positions, within organisations and within their own businesses.
“In 2021, we are open to accepting donations and sponsorships in Qoin.”
To find out more and to donate, visit: www.agapeoutreachinc.com.
Over the space of six months more than 7,000 small business merchants, including many in Tweed Heads, are now accepting Qoin, the newest digital currency built on blockchain that offers cashless transactions.
And now Tweed Heads is being specifically approached following research undertaken by Qoin that shows Tweed Heads businesses and merchants are keen to get involved in digital currencies.
Qoin Australia Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Barker says, “We have done our homework in Tweed Heads and we have a dedicated sales team of independent agents that are in contact with Tweed Heads businesses.”