A $500 sponsorship could help a young person gain their driver’s licence, opening the door to employment, training and greater independence.
That’s the message Tribe Social Belonging Founder Ryan Elson is taking to the business community as the organisation seeks support for its Tribe Drive program.
Since launching, Tribe Drive has helped 52 young people obtain their driver’s licence, creating pathways to employment, education and greater independence. Ryan said the achievement had been made possible through community support, with the program receiving no government funding.
“For many young people, a driver’s licence is the key to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach,” Ryan said.
“It can mean the difference between being able to accept a job, attend training or simply access opportunities that many of us take for granted.”
Tribe Drive helps participants gain the supervised driving hours, support and confidence needed to obtain their licence, creating pathways to employment, education and greater social connection.
Ryan said local businesses have an opportunity to create tangible and lasting outcomes through relatively modest contributions.
“A lot of businesses want to give back to their community, but they also want to know their support is making a real difference,” he said.
“When a young person gains their licence, the impact is immediate. It improves access to work, training, education and independence.”
How businesses can help
Businesses can support Tribe Drive through financial sponsorships and in-kind contributions that help cover fuel, registration, servicing, tyres, insurance, resources and program coordination.
A sponsorship of $500 can help a young person complete the program and gain their licence, creating opportunities that can have a lifelong impact.
The organisation recently received a $75,000 grant through ETC’s Community Support Fund, providing a significant boost to the program’s future growth.
Ryan said the funding would help strengthen Tribe Drive’s impact, but ongoing support from businesses and the community remained critical to meeting demand.
“The ETC funding gives us an incredible foundation, but there is still a significant need for business and community support if we want to help more young people gain their licence and access future opportunities,” he said.
“We know there are businesses across Moreton Bay looking for meaningful ways to give back. This is an opportunity to directly support a young person and help change the trajectory of their future.”
With the end of the financial year approaching, Ryan said now was an ideal time for businesses considering charitable giving or community investment to support a program with a direct and measurable impact.
“For many businesses, $500 is a relatively modest investment but for a young person, it can be life-changing.”
Businesses interested in sponsoring a young person, providing in-kind support or learning more about Tribe Drive can contact Tribe Social Belonging Founder Ryan Elson on 0422 232 437 or via email at ryan@tribebelonging.com.au.
Tribe is a DGR1-endorsed charity and all donations over $2 are tax deductible.
