MARRYING culinary excellence with community spirit, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation has launched its catering arm, FNQ Foundation Feast.
The newly established social enterprise aims to serve the Cairns community through outstanding catering services, simultaneously enhancing the Foundation's capacity to improve health outcomes across Far North Queensland.
The innovative service, launched in November, marks a significant milestone for the Foundation, as its latest social enterprise.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said FNQ Foundation Feast aimed to deliver an amazing catering menu, easily accessible through a newly developed website, ensuring a seamless process for ordering, payment, and delivery.
“The initiative is a win for anyone who orders, and we’ve been delighted with support from our partners and businesses around the city. They know that not only are they getting exceptional food cooked to order by our talented chefs, but they are supporting health care in our region. At some point we’re all going to need the hospital and our customers feel good, knowing they have helped support the health services that may help them or their loved one, if it hasn’t already,” Mrs Hogan said.
"Our catering food is made fresh for each order, every day. With more than 40 years of collective experience, our catering team is excited to bring their expertise to more tables across Cairns," she said.
“The support from the Cairns community has been overwhelming, with the service growing weekly. Our Christmas hampers introduced last December were a success, generating more than $10, 000 in catering orders. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce Easter hampers and special occasion offerings to meet the diverse needs of our community,” she said.
FNQ Foundation Feast adds to the social enterprises that are already a vital component of the Foundation’s operations.
Operating the Cairns Hospital carpark, two cafes, vending machines and ATM’s, the Foundation’s social enterprises cover all its administrative costs, meaning every cent donated, goes where it’s intended.
“Our social enterprises are key to what we do and formed a key component of our win at the Cairns Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards last year for Innovation.
“At our organisation, we stand out in the charity sector by ensuring 100% of donations directly support our intended projects, without any deductions for administrative expenses. We achieve this through dedicated funding sources specifically allocated for operational costs, ensuring every dollar donated goes exactly where donors intend.
“The feedback we've received has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighted by a significant number of repeat orders. Impressively, our reach has extended beyond our immediate region. This enthusiastic response is a testament to the quality and impact of our work.”
Currently serving more than 100 customers monthly, FNQ Foundation Feast is on a path of rapid growth.
To find out more or to place an order, visit www.fnqfoundationfeast.org.au
Photo: Foundation Commercial Manager Michael Hooper, Foundation Feast chef Michael Orford and Foundation CEO Gina Hogan celebrate the launch of the new business.