One of the newer members of Stanthorpe’s business community, owner of The Little Larder Cam Giddings, is sponsoring the fourth Young Ambassador for the 2022 Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival.
The café is sponsoring mother-of-two Kelsey McKibbin and will focus on “equality in every sense of the word” in its fundraising, according to owner Cam.
Apple and Grape president Russell Wantling said it was exciting to have a new business like The Little Larder Stanthorpe step up and take part in the Young Ambassador Program.
“Cam has made no secret of his desire to promote diversity and inclusion throughout the next seven months and really that is something the Apple and Grape hold very dear,” Russell said.
“There is no doubt the festival is a harvest festival, but it (is) also about showcasing every diversity the Granite Belt is so proud of, its products and so importantly, its people.
“And in Stanthorpe’s 150th year, how wonderful to have Young Ambassador Kelsey and her sponsor Cam to showcase how far our region has come.”
Cam said he and Kelsey had a range of “fun and inclusive” events up their sleeves that would help the local community get to “know and love the incredible woman she is”.
“We have planned many events such as a signature ambassador cocktail for Kelsey, garden parties, colour run, winery tours and get to know events where Kelsey and myself will really get to know the community on a more wholesome level,” Cam said.
Born and bred in Stanthorpe, Kelsey said she was passionate about the town and its people and was looking forward to participating in the 2022 festival.
“This is definitely the place my partner and I want to raise our two beautiful boys in,” she said.
“This experience for me is about stepping out of my comfort zone and (exposing) myself to something completely new.
“Flashback to April when I started my journey at The Little Larder, I knew it would be nothing short of amazing. When I was approached by Cam and was asked about taking on this Ambassador experience, I didn’t hesitate.
“I knew I would have his full support knowing we share the same values and know we could achieve great things together.”
Like Kelsey, Cameron grew up in Stanthorpe and has big goals for the team’s Apple and Grape journey.
“We aim to raise awareness in our community of what it means to be accepted for being a little different or left of centre,” he said
“We will be directing our fundraising at every demographic possible to ensure everyone in our community feels the inclusiveness and equality we promote at The Little Larder.”
