With flu season upon us, local business leaders and co-founders of White’s IGA, Michael and Roz White wanted to ensure their staff were protected.
They offered free flu shots to any of the team who wanted them. In the process, they helped to fund much needed medical and health support to those who are living rough and doing it tough.
A Sunny initiative
Whites IGA sourced the flu jabs through Sunny Street, a mobile medical outreach service designed specifically for those who are experiencing homelessness and vulnerability and have barriers accessing health care.
For every flu jab that Sunny Street provides to a company or corporation, it funds a nurse for half an hour on the street, providing vital healthcare to children and families doing it tough.
“Supporting others is at the very core of what we do,” says Ms White.
“We love the work Sunny Street does. They are making a real difference in the lives of those who are homeless or just doing it tough, so it was a no-brainer to ask them to do our annual flu shots once we learned that it would make such a difference.”
Ms White says the program has created a real sense of pride amongst the team.
“Our team feels that they are not only looking after their own health, but they are actively making a difference to others not so fortunate,” says Ms White.
Demonstrating social conscience
Sunny Street Co-Founder and Director of Nursing, Sonia Martin says the flu jab program has received a lot of support in the Sunshine Coast, Gympie and Brisbane areas.
“Once they realise they are helping to fund a clinical nurse, who in turn helps those living rough, they really get on board,” she says.
“Often people are looking for ways to help and this is a really easy way for corporates and companies to demonstrate they have a social conscience that helps both their own teams and those in the community who need a helping hand – it’s a win for everybody.”
Each flu jab helps support Sunny Street to give life-saving healthcare on the streets for people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Australia and corporates are encouraged to book their ‘jab of sunshine’ to keep their teams healthy this flu season and to help Sunny Street provide equitable access to healthcare for those sleeping rough and doing it tough.
Bookings and enquiries can be made by contacting info@sunnystreet.org.