Chris Turner is the CEO and founder of SunnyKids, a Sunshine Coast based organisation who work tirelessly to break inter-generational cycles of poverty and disadvantage. Innovation has driven SunnyKids evolution from a single site emergency accommodation service into a nationwide provider of award-winning support services and education programmes. Chris took some time to tell us about their organisation the work they do within our community.
Tell us a bit about the work you do at SunnyKids?
SunnyKids works with children, families and the whole community to create a ‘virtual village’ that is able to support the regions vulnerable children.
When did SunnyKids start?
In 2003 I was employed to run the regions Domestic Violence refuge. I was shocked to learn that 75% of people in refuges were children, but that there was no government funding to support them directly. I founded SunnyKids to fill that gap. Since then we have grown beyond the refuge to work in schools and alongside the police, departments of child safety and health.
What are your goals for the future?
We know that right now there are 1000 kids on the Coast who need help but aren’t getting it. Within 2 years we want to partner with 1000 locals so that all vulnerable Sunny Coast kids get the support they need.
SHARE YOUR FAVOURITES
Favourite holiday destination?
Surely it’s the Sunshine Coast?
Favourite local restaurant?
So many to choose from but at the moment it’s Spice Bar.
Favourite musician or artist?
When I was a kid it was Slade! At the moment Leonard Cohen.
Leave us with some words of inspiration. What is your favourite quote?
Adults should do more of what we expect kids to do… Play nicely and share.
More About SunnyKids
Phone: 07 5479 0394
Website: http://www.sunnykids.org.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunnyKids/
