GLADSTONE Ports Corporation has announced local disability support charity Choice, Passion, Life will benefit from beneficiary funding raised at this year’s Port to Park run.

The Port to Park run is set to take place on 21 August. Of the beneficiary funding, $20,000 will be donated CPL’s Mylestones Solutions Garden Crew.  

The garden crew provides employment support to people living with disability. The money will fund new equipment to expand the crew’s services, which will ultimately create career pathway opportunities for more people with disabilities.

GPC CEO Graid Haymes described CPL’s program as a valuable service for the region as it enriches the lives of those who benefit from it.

“People with disability represent one in five Australians, so it’s important they are given employment opportunities and we know the funding will go a long way to support this program,” Mr Haymes said.

“The idea of the community beneficiary is to support a worthy group not only through funding but also by raising awareness about the fantastic work they do in our community,” he said.

“It’s great to see CPL offering employment in the garden crew and provide training for people with disability to one day achieve mainstream employment or develop their own garden service business.

“We can’t wait to see how the Port to Park community beneficiary funding grows the program and enriches these people’s lives.”

Mylestones Employment regional manager Billie Lewis-Cassidy said the company is grateful for GPC’s support and the opportunities it will create through the Mylestones Solutions Garden Crew.

“If meaningful work means so much to you and me, why would it be different for people with disability?” she said.

Mr Haymes said GPC’s Port to Park run – previously known as the Botanic to Bridge – also raises money for 27 local schools.

Previous beneficiaries of the initiative include the Gladstone Hospital Children’s Ward, Roseberry House, the Gladstone PCYC, the Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre and Act for Kids.

Port to Park is supported by Gladstone Regional Council, Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre and Santos GLNG.

GPC said Port to Park Registrations are now open for entrants.