Komatsu’s Live Your Dream grants aim to create positive change within communities. Quarry explores how they are helping Australian communities.
Nearly a decade ago, Komatsu launched a program that transformed the lives of people and communities across Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia.
In the time since, Komatsu employees have used the Live Your Dream grants to fund programs that impact childhood cancer, premature babies, drought–stricken farmers and disadvantaged youth, among other causes.
Quarry investigated the latest announcements within Komatsu’s life-changing program and how it benefits the lives of their employees and the communities around them.
TACKLING FOOD SECURITY
Stacey Renata works as an apprentice plant mechanic at Komatsu’s Welshpool branch in Western Australia. Renata’s mother is Monica Morunga, the founder and chief executive of not-for-profit Feed It Forward, which supports families and people who struggle to access food.
Having witnessed many families going without what others take for granted, Renata knew she wanted to help.
“Participating in the Komatsu Live Your Dream program was an amazing opportunity, not only for myself, but it allowed us to shine a light on the collective power of a community and how that can bring about positive change,” she said.
“I collaborated with over 500 Feed it Forward volunteers, local businesses, schools and community groups to collect non-perishable food items and raise awareness about the challenges of food insecurity.”
The $10,000 grant launched a food drive, which secured 250 tonnes of food, while the awareness campaign reached 20,000 individuals and over 100 businesses.
She said it was a fantastic initiative that went beyond her expectations for what could be achieved.
Julie Aplin supported The Pirate Ship Foundation with her Komatsu grant.
HELPING CHILDREN
Julie Aplin and her family lived every family’s worst nightmare when her son, Scotty, was diagnosed with a grade three brain tumour.
The diagnosis began a journey that involved two brain surgeries, radiation therapy and 12 months of chemotherapy in a tough time for her family.
“To watch not only our son but so many other children go through such a horrendous course of treatment was heartbreaking,” she said.
“Childhood brain cancer kills more Australian children than any other disease and leaves survivors with severe life-long impacts. On average, two kids are diagnosed with brain cancer every month in WA.”
Nowadays, Scott is living well post-treatment, but Julie always wanted to give back to those who helped in her most challenging time.
With her $10,000 grant from Komatsu, she devised a fundraiser for childhood brain cancer. Julie hopes businesses will get involved and nominate their bosses to ‘walk the plank’ to raise money for cancer treatments for youth this year.
“Dr Nick Gottardo and his huge team from The Pirate Ship Foundation work tirelessly to save so many kids, so I wanted to find a way I could give back,” she said.
“Thank you so much to Komatsu for supporting this cause that is so close to my and my family’s hearts. It’s great to see the prize being put towards research that is so badly needed.”
Komatsu Australia has supported the work of Zonta House. Image: Komatsu
DOMESTIC SUPPORT
Zonta House has played a crucial role in providing essential services for families in domestic violence situations.
Its annual 16 Days in WA invites the WA community to play a part in encouraging change to stop violence against women. The campaign takes place from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Komatsu’s employees decided to help support Zonta House’s programs with a $10,000 grant. Zonta House’s Communications and Engagement Officer, Ella Kent, said the funds will go to support the charity to provide safe, essential support to women experiencing family and domestic violence.
“Generous donations such as this Live Your Dream from Komatsu will provide much-needed funding for our programs, which are reliant on donations,” she said.
“We are incredibly thankful and excited for this support, and it will definitely make a big difference and a positive change in our community.”
SUPPORTING MEN
Mick Bartlett has seen the impact of poor mental health on regional communities.
Last year, Bartlett and his local community witnessed four suicides, which heavily impacted the locals.
Bartlett, a service supervisor at Komatsu’s Tom Price branch in WA, set out to change it with the help of the Komatsu program
“So many of these towns in remote WA are isolated, with little to no support for issues like men’s mental health, which is often overlooked,” he said.
“Being based out at Tom Price, it’s an issue I see day after day, and one I knew I wanted to tackle and see what I could do to support.
“It’s heartbreaking and impacts each and every one of us in some way.”
He used the $10,000 grant to support the Regional Men’s Health Awareness, a not-for-profit that raises awareness about men’s well-being in remote WA.
The not-for-profit will use the funding to help support education programs and initiatives like the Pilbara Bruthas Poker Run, which Bartlett does, which raises mental health awareness with poker tournaments.
“Organisations like the Regional Men’s Health Initiative help us to connect with each other and show that there is support out there for people that are doing it tough. Sometimes it’s just a conversation that can set us on the right path,” Bartlett said.
“We start in Paraburdoo, then head to Onslow, Karratha, Port Hedland, Tom Price & back to Paraburdoo for the final prize giving. There is free camping along the journey with daily prizes, and we encourage anyone to come and join us.
“Our motto is ‘It’s not just about the ride, it’s about the journey’ – and with thanks to Komatsu and the Live your Dream program, we can help spread the word and support further in these communities that need it the most.” •
For more information, visit komatsu.com.au
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