Merlo Partnering with Youngcare

MERLO PARTNERING WITH YOUNGCARE

Right now, young Australian people with high physical support needs are living in crisis. They are being left behind in aged care, hospital rooms, rehabilitation centres – accommodation that is not suitable for their age or care needs.

Youngcare Australia is a non-for-profit organisation helping young people stay home, move home or make their home more accessible.

Merlo has proudly supported the Youngcare mission over the past five years and this year was no exception, in fact this year we wanted to make our biggest impact yet.

On September 2nd, $1 from every Merlo cup of coffee sold went directly to Youngcare. Together with the community, we were able to raise $10,000 directly for young Australians to redefine integrated living – to feel free to live equally.

Dean Merlo with Youngcare General Manager Greg Johnson.

YOUNGCARE STORIES

Currently, there are 28,000 young people with disabilities enrolled in the NDIS that are searching for an appropriate place to call their home. With the support of Youngcare and Merlo, 21-year-old Brisbane local Kade was fortunate to be provided with a suitable and accessible home in Chermside.

Kade has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare progressive degeneration condition which affects his muscles, and while he can still walk, he does usually use a mobility scooter to get around.

Kade started out living with his mum at Forrest Lake, and whilst he had sufficient space to move around the home, he was isolated from the community and activities he loved.

He then moved to an apartment in Toowong with his dad, but because they were renting, they could make limited modifications to allow Kade to live more comfortably.

This resulted in Kade having a few accidents in the apartment, so the family started searching for help. With the incredible Youngcare housing development and vital grants program, Kade was finally able to feel free to live equally within the community, leading to Youngcare’s Chermside SDA units.

“I don’t feel like I am trapped anymore,” Kade said.

“It doesn’t feel like I can’t do stuff that everybody else can do. I feel included.”

Youngcare is constantly and consistently fighting for freedom, dignity and choice for young people with high physical supports needs exactly like Kade.

Young Australians deserve to live comfortable and equally, Merlo is proud to fight alongside this mission, to fight for people like Kade.

YOU ARE INSPIRING

When you held that warm, blue Merlo cup in your hands on September 2nd, you were included in the vital change for young people and their families. Merlo has unquestionably supported Youngcare and their mission, creating co-branded cups in all Merlo stores to generate awareness for the inspiring organisation.

Thanks to you, 2021/22 saw one of the largest grant funding years for Youngcare, with 205 young people given vital funding to support their individual quality of life and enable them to live freely and equally.

This directly led to new, beautiful housing developments in Chermside and Rothwell for young people to live fulfilled lives. Thanks to our customers generosity and support for our coffee, we were able to contribute our largest donation yet.

Encouraging words from Youngcare rein true:

Together, we are strong.
Together, we will make long-lasting and impactful change.
Together, because we can’t do it without you.

Merlo is committed to supporting young peoples’ choice to live in appropriate housing and to live equally amongst the community.

Thank you for joining us to create change and support this wonderful organisation for yet another great year. If you or someone you know needs a home, visit youngcare.com.au