AMA Queensland Foundation donors support people experiencing homelessness

The AMA Queensland Foundation brings together medical colleagues, supporters and the business community to assist the delivery of vital services outside those catered for by the public health system. 

The Foundation allows doctors to support services and needs over and above what they provide in their consultation rooms and in hospitals by raising and directing funds to where there is the most demonstrable impact. 

Since becoming aware of Beddown’s innovative approach, where founder Norm McGillivray repurposed under utilised empty spaces like car parks into safe and secure spaces for people experiencing homelessness, the AMA Queensland Foundation Board has wanted to support Beddown’s important work. 

Dr Dhupelia said the money would help Beddown open a new dedicated venue in Ipswich and connect their guests with vital outreach medical, healthcare, counselling and hygiene services, something that most Queenslanders take for granted. 

“The AMA Queensland Foundation’s vision is to ensure doctors, friends and supporters can assist in the delivery of vital services and funds that are needed by different disadvantaged sectors of the community.  Each year we direct every dollar that is donated to us or raised through our various activities to a major beneficiary. This year we concentrated on people experiencing homelessness by choosing Beddown as our major beneficiary,” Dr Dhupelia said. 

“No one deserves to be sleeping rough. The cost of living is resulting in an increase in people not having a roof over their head in Queensland, which predictability results in very poor health outcomes. This is due to exposure to weather, poor sleep quality, hygiene constraints, food insecurity, late detection of preventable disease and poor access to screening services. 

“As a result of our incredible donors who donated generously through the Foundation’s End of Financial Year Appeal and at our Charity Gala in November, we will be able to support Beddown’s guests to spend time in safe, supported and secure places,” he said.

InCommunity Inc Deputy CEO, Nerissa Wade, accepted the cheque on behalf of Beddown. 

“The AMA Queensland Foundation has worked tirelessly to achieve this phenomenal donation and we look forward to sharing details soon about the outcomes Beddown achieves with these valuable and much needed funds” Ms Wade said. 

The AMA Queensland Foundation’s Christmas Appeal this year is hoping to raise money to support medical students whose financial situation is jeopardising their chances of finishing medical school due to circumstances beyond their control. If you wish to donate tax deductible funds to this great cause, please visit the Foundation website.