Power Up Kids

💙 HOMELESSNESS WEEK | CONNECT2HOME 2026 💙

Yesterday, at the annual Connect2Home event, officially brought the 2026 campaign to a close.

As we recognise Homelessness Week, we reflect on what can be achieved when an entire community comes together to support people doing it tough.

This year, Power Up Kids and Can We Change was incredibly proud to partner with the GCHN Inc to help deliver our part of the Connect2Home campaign.

Together, we set a goal of collecting 10,000 essential items through just one of our community collection programs.

We’re proud to say we didn’t just achieve that goal—we exceeded it.

🎉 10,431 essential items were collected through our campaign.

That incredible result was made possible by:
🏉 Our 10 AFL clubs
💙 Sam O'Connor MP and his team
💙 Meaghan Scanlon MP and her team
🛍️ The Helensvale Farmers Market
❤️ Kollosche Community Fund, whose support helped make this campaign possible.

But that’s only part of the story.

Across the 22 collection bins located in libraries and community centres throughout the Gold Coast, the community donated more than three times that amount again, demonstrating the extraordinary generosity of our city.

A heartfelt thank you to Maria, Teagan and Belinda, and everyone at the Gold Coast Homelessness Network, for believing in our vision and trusting Can We Change to help deliver our part of the campaign.

A huge thank you to the City of Gold Coast for investing in the future by purchasing 22 permanent collection bins. These bins are more than just part of the Connect2Home campaign—they are a lasting community asset that will continue supporting future donation drives for charities across the Gold Coast for years to come.

A huge thank you to the Gold Coast Suns for hosting the annual Connect2Home event and for your incredible support behind the scenes. Your commitment to bringing the community together and supporting initiatives like this helps make a real difference for people experiencing homelessness across our city.

Thank you to every AFL club, volunteer, business, community partner and every single person who donated. Every item represents kindness, compassion and hope.

A special thank you to the organisations that will now ensure these donations reach the people who need them most:

❤️ Vinnies – thank you for coordinating and distributing the clothing.

💚 Set Free Care – thank you for collecting and distributing the food.

💜 St Vincent de Paul Society – thank you for coordinating and distributing the toiletries.

Homelessness is about more than housing. It’s about people, dignity, hope and ensuring that no one is forgotten.

We are honoured that Power Up Kids and Can We Change could play our part alongside so many incredible organisations and community partners to help make a real difference every day.

To everyone who donated, volunteered, shared our message or supported Connect2Home…

Thank you.

Together, we can change everything. ❤️

Today was one of those days that really puts everything into perspective.

As we packed up the Connect2Home collection and removed the bins from libraries and community centres across the Gold Coast, we were overwhelmed by what our community had achieved together.

Three trailer loads of donations were collected today alone.

Hours were spent sorting everything into food, clothing and toiletries. Every box and every bag represented someone choosing to help a complete stranger.

But what touched us the most weren’t just the donations.

It was the handwritten cards and messages tucked amongst the food, clothing and toiletries. There were so many beautiful notes of encouragement, kindness and hope for people doing it tough. Reading them was incredibly emotional. They were a reminder that sometimes the greatest gift isn’t just what you give—it’s letting someone know they are seen, valued and not alone.

This morning, I was also speaking with a local councillor who shared a perspective that has stayed with me.

The Gold Coast is one of the most incredible places in the world to live. As more people choose to call this place home, housing demand increases, the cost of living rises, and unfortunately more people find themselves facing hardship. These challenges didn’t appear overnight, and they won’t disappear overnight either.

Rather than focusing on blame, we need to focus on what we can do together.

Every donation. Every volunteer. Every organisation. Every business. Every conversation. Every small act of kindness moves us one step closer to a stronger, more connected community.

The people doing it tough today need our support now. At the same time, we need to keep building better systems and stronger communities so future generations have greater opportunities and fewer people experience the hardship we’re seeing today.

For many years, Can We Change and Power Up Kids have been building practical community programs. Our vision has never been just about collecting donations—it has always been about creating lasting community infrastructure that supports charities, improves transparency, increases visibility, educates the public, and helps communities respond to what organisations need most, when they need it most.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll share some of the incredible stories from this year’s Connect2Home collection. Some will make you smile. Some will be heartbreaking. But every story will show the incredible compassion that exists across the Gold Coast.

To everyone who donated, volunteered, wrote a heartfelt message or simply chose to care—thank you. You have reminded us what community is all about.

Huge thanks to the GCHN Inc. Your behind-the-scenes work is incredible, and we are proud of our collaboration and the part we’ve played in Connect2Home. ❤️

Together we can change everything. ❤️

Do you have a bag of clothing taking up residence in your boot? Maybe you have a few dollars to spare in your weekly shop? Tomorrow is the final day of the Gold Coast Connect2Home Donation Drive!
In 2025 we welcomed over 1000 guests through the gates and your support is what makes this event a success each year. We are so grateful to those who have donated so far and anyone ready to make a last minute drop! Thank you for showing the true community spirit of the Gold Coast 💛

❤️ CAN WE CHANGE AFL JUNIOR CLUB REWARD & RECOGNITION PROGRAM ❤️

This weekend, as the Gold Coast Suns take on the Western Bulldogs, we’re proud to recognise three incredible community organisations through the Can We Change AFL Junior Club Reward & Recognition Program.

Congratulations to:
🟡 Surfers Paradise Demons Juniors
🟡Jimboomba Redbacks AFC
🟡 Gold Coast Youth Service

Each AFL club has received eight tickets to enjoy the game, while Gold Coast Youth Service has also been recognised for the outstanding work they do supporting young people across the Gold Coast every day.

A special congratulations to the Jimboomba Redbacks, who have joined the program for the first time this year. We look forward to working alongside your club and seeing the positive impact you continue to make in your community.

A huge thank you to the Gold Coast SUNS for their ongoing support of grassroots football, volunteers, community organisations, and the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make a difference. Programs like this not only recognise our local AFL clubs but also shine a spotlight on outstanding organisations such as Gold Coast Youth Service that are changing lives every day.

Together we can change everything. ❤️💛

🥫 GRAB ONE ITEM FROM YOUR PANTRY OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS! 💙

As we count down to Connect2Home on 5 August, we’re asking every player, parent, volunteer and supporter from our AFL community to donate just one item. Please share this post.

Most needed:
🥫 Non-perishable food
🧴 Toiletries
❤️ Everyday essentials

Simply place your donation in the blue collection bin at your club.

A huge thank you to our 10 AFL clubs supporting this year’s Connect2Home collection drive, proudly hosted by the Gold Coast Suns and the GCHN Inc

🏉 Southport Sharks Junior AFL
🏉 Tweed Coast Tigers
🏉 Burleigh Bombers Junior AFL Club
🏉 Robina Mudgeeraba Roos Junior AFL
🏉 Palm Beach Currumbin Junior AFL Club
🏉 Labrador Juniors AFLTigers
🏉 Pacific Pines Australian Football Club
🏉 Coomera Magpies Australian Football Club - Juniors
🏉 Broadbeach Cats Juniors AFCCats
🏉 Carrara Saints FC
🏉 Ormeau Bulldogs Australian Football Club

Every donation will help support people and families doing it tough across our community.

🎯 Let’s fill every blue bin by 30 July!

Thank you again for your support.

Will be an amazing event for everyone who attends.

You are not alone, there are an increasing number of people seeking a bit help or information about services in the community that can assist around cost of living. In a welcoming and family-friendly environment, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a wide range of services and support available in the community. More than 60 community organisations will be on hand to provide information and guidance on support programs and services. The day will include a complimentary lunch served by the Gold Coast Suns, as well as entertainment and activities, making it an enjoyable and supportive experience for everyone who attends.

Mark the date in your diary.

🥫🧴 WE NEED YOUR HELP – CONNECT2HOME 2026 🧴🥫

The support for clothing, blankets and essential items has been incredible so far, with the Connect2Home collection bins already receiving amazing support from people across the Gold Coast.

Now we’re turning our focus to the items we’re currently short on – non-perishable food and toiletries.

To help kick things off, Kollosche Community Fund has donated 500 cups of noodles, and Power Up Kids and Can We Change has matched that with 500 packets of pasta.

We’re now calling on businesses, schools, sporting clubs, community groups, MPs and Councillors to help us fill the gap.

Whether it’s 1 item, 10 items or 100 items, every donation means the world and helps support people doing it tough in our community.

All donations collected will go towards Connect2Home 2026 at People First Stadium on 5 August, hosted by the GCHN Inc and the Gold Coast Suns , supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship across the Gold Coast.

📢 Please share this post with a business, school, sporting club or organisation that may be able to help.

Together, we can change everything. 💙

AFL Volunteer Reward & Recognition Program 🏉

Last weekend, volunteers from the Broadbeach Cats Juniors AFC and Tweed Coast Tigers AFL Club were recognised through the Can We Change AFL Volunteer Reward & Recognition Program, receiving four tickets each to attend the sold-out Gold Coast SUNS v Collingwood clash.

While the SUNS fell just short on the day, the effort, passion and determination shown by the team was outstanding and made for an incredible game to watch.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was seeing Gold Coast SUNS debutant Dylan Patterson kick a goal in his very first AFL game. Moments like these are a reminder of what community football is all about and what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and support.

Most importantly, it was another opportunity to celebrate the volunteers who are the heart and soul of community AFL. Their commitment, encouragement and countless hours behind the scenes help create opportunities for the next generation of players chasing their dreams.

Congratulations and thank you to all volunteers across Broadbeach Cats and Tweed Coast Tigers. Your contribution to our game and community does not go unnoticed.

We look forward to the Adelaide Crows game tonight as We believe this will be the game for the Gold Coast Suns that turns their season around to make the top ten in the end . ❤️

💙 COMMUNITY SHOUT OUT – CONNECT2HOME 2026 💙

We need your help!

As we count down to the Connect2Home event on 5 August at People First Stadium, we’re asking our amazing community to take a few minutes to clean out your pantry and wardrobe and donate any unwanted essential items.

We’re collecting:
✔️ Non-perishable food
✔️ Toiletries
✔️ Good-quality clothing

📍 Donation locations include:

• Upper Coomera Community Centre
• Runaway Bay Library
• Helensvale Library
• Labrador Community Hub
• Southport Library
• Nerang Library
• Gold Coast SUNS – Austworld Centre
• Broadbeach Library
• Robina Community Centre
• Elanora Library

• Helensvale Farmers Market
• Sam O’Connor MP’s Office
• Megan Scanlon MP’s Office

Every donation will help support people and families experiencing hardship across the Gold Coast.

If you can’t get your donations to one of these collection locations, please send us a DM and we’ll happily arrange a collection.

Please share this post❤️