18 September 2019
Feeding the 1,100 – meet Queensland’s top dad
Posted in Events / Family life / SU QLD
A big congratulations to Wynnum local, charity-worker and 37-year-old father-of-two, Phil Sargeson, who was named the 2019 Queensland Father of the Year – an award proudly presented by SU QLD. Phil was nominated by his wife Samara, who spoke highly of his dedication to their kids.
“He is just an absolutely beautiful father,” Samara says.
“He spends large amounts of quality time with our kids – he has such a beautiful bond with both Joe and Hope – they just relish being in his company.”
For Phil, being a dad has had a huge impact on his life, he says.
“It helped me become more selfless and put their [his kids] needs above my own.”
In 2015, along with his wife Samara, Phil launched Cereal for Coffee, a charity focused on providing a healthy breakfast for kids who miss out.
“One in five kids turn up at school without breakfast,” Phil says.
“We knew a youth worker at our local school who was running a breakfast program and decided to help him out in getting supplies.”
Phil had the idea of going to local cafes and getting them on board.
“We asked a few cafes if they’d be willing to give away free coffee in exchange for cereal boxes – just for one day,” Phil recalls.
“In the first year nine cafes participated in the Manly area. We collected around 450 boxes of cereal – it took five car loads to collect them all!”
Since its inception, Cereal for Coffee has grown significantly. They’re now feeding more than 1,100 Brisbane young people a healthy breakfast each week.
Congratulations Phil – a deserving winner. Keep up the great work!
