MOST of the work Yeppoon's Karla McPhail does for disadvantaged youth in our region goes unnoticed.

The Coal Train/Undamine owner told the Capricorn Coast Mirror last week her passion had always been helping local youth in many different ways, including creating job opportunities or counselling.

But the company officially launched its Scholarship Fund last week, which provides funds between $1000 to $2000 per not-for-profit club for them to sponsor individuals to join their club at no cost.

The clubs will work in partnership with Coal Train to ensure inclusiveness and further assistance where necessary.

Communications and Community Fund Manager Vanessa Rauluni said Coal Train had several clubs and groups on board already but wanted to spread the message far and wide for others to get on board.

"AngliCare and Uniting Care have also offered their assistance in letting individuals know of the fund," Vanessa said.

"This partnership has already resulted in the individual sponsorship of one young man as he chases his dream of attaining his Bronze Medallion and participating in the Disability Commonwealth Games."

Karla said she hoped this would give young people an opportunity to be part of something they might not have had the chance to otherwise.

"I think as a young person it's important to have female and male role models and they're often found in sporting clubs and groups which can give them some direction they might be looking for," Karla said.

Clubs already on board include Yeppoon Swans, Yeppoon Seagulls, Cap Coast Brothers, Yeppoon Scouts, Emu Park Surf Life Saving Club, Rockhampton Brothers, Yeppoon High School, Cap Coast Netball and more.

The fund has also recently given an individual sponsorship to a Yeppoon High student who is off to compete in the national titles for track and field.

Although there is no funding limit, individual grants from the Coal Train/Undamine Community Fund typically range between $500 and $1000. The fund also makes regular donations to the following organisations: UNICEF, Leukaemia Foundation, Movember, White Ribbon, UNHCR, SIDS, RSL, Fred Hollows Foundation, AngliCare, Legacy, Cancer Council Australia and a large number of individuals.

MORE INFO

If you'd like to find out more about the fund, phone Coal Train on 4939 1445