Meet Yas Matbouly, Founder of SOP
A COVID success story, Serving Our People (SOP) first opened its doors in March 2020 as a complimentary delivery service for those who could not leave their homes to purchase essential items such as groceries, baby formula and medications, providing comfort and convenience to those who need it most.
Now, more than two years on, the organisation has helped more than 52,000 people across Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales, delivering more than 25,000 meals to those in need with a registered volunteer base surpassing 1,100.
This December, Serving Our People’s headquarters will be transformed into a modern community hub that will offer Queensland’s first ‘Free Supermarket’ – a place when members of the community can collect essential non-perishable grocery items they need but are unable to afford.
“We want to make sure that everyone in the Gold Coast community and across Australia is aware of the services that we provide,” said Yas Matbouly, Founder of Serving Our People (SOP).
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Over the past 18 years, I have lived and worked in some of the world’s most exciting cities – Dubai, Doha, London, New York and Australia. I have a significant career leading major transactions for governments and global brands such as IBM, Omnicom and Dolce & Gabbana. Additionally, my experience as an advisor for a Middle Eastern Royal Family Private Affairs office gave me unique insights into how to restructure financial institutions and pursue international investment opportunities. In particular, real estate, energy, finance, agriculture and technology are all areas where there is significant potential for growth. I also worked with the Sunland Group, an ASX listed property developer, before I founded Serving Our People. Sitting on the Bond University’s MBA alumni committee is another one of my many passions. My Executive MBA is from Bond University, Australia, and Stanford Executive Education Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, CA, USA.
Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Yas Matbouly (Founder & President SOP), Lauren Matbouly (Principal) (image supplied)
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have been back on the Gold Coast and living here for the last 6 years. I was in Brisbane for a year before moving back to Australia from New York.
What do you love about the Gold Coast?
It is the best city in the world. I have travelled all over the world and by far the Gold Coast is magical, it has everything to offer from family life to the best nature escapes, great education and entrepreneurial hub, amazing weather and very healthy environment, it is a great environment to be relaxed and happy, which is the best.
You are the founder of Serving our People (SOP). Can you tell us about this charity?
Serving Our People (SOP) is a complimentary delivery service born from the adverse global pandemic of COVID-19. We are a logistics, delivery, and emergency relief service. Our mission at Serving Our People is simple: to serve those in need. We were founded in 2020 with the goal of helping as many people as possible, and we now operate in Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast, and Northern New South Wales. Our vision is “to deliver to anyone, at any time, in any place”. At a time when many are feeling uncertain, we remain committed to serving all Australians, no matter their need or circumstances.
You’re currently building Queensland’s First Free Supermarket. What an amazing initiative. Can you tell us about this project?
We are excited to announce our plans to transform Serving Our People’s headquarters, a 45-year-old warehouse in Mermaid Beach, into a modern community hub that will offer Queensland’s first ‘Free Supermarket’ for those in need. This will be a place where members of the community can come and collect essential non-perishable grocery items, relieving the cost of living pressures they are facing. Set to open in December this year, with a half size basketball court, electric bicycles and plenty of space for community activities and fundraising events, this will be a hub for everyone to enjoy.
How will the free supermarket work? Where will the food come from & who can access the supermarket?
Non-perishable goods are already being collected from donation boxes stationed in leading supermarkets across the Gold Coast. Each box is used to stock the shelves of Serving Our People’s “pop-up supermarket” or fill “bags of love” to deliver to those who cannot ‘shop’ in-person. No matter who you are or what your circumstances may be, you are welcome to come and collect items at our supermarket. We are dedicated to helping anyone in Australia who needs it, and we will do everything we can to make their lives better. Whether you are a family, an elderly person, displaced persons or disadvantaged communities, carers, victims of disasters or people living with disabilities, we are here for you.
When can we expect the supermarket to be up and running?
Our grand opening is set for 22 December 2022, and to launch our opening event, we’ll be inviting our local homeless community to join us for a Christmas lunch at the new headquarters.
Are you looking for donations of food, money or time?
We’re looking for all the above! Our volunteers are working hard to collect food boxes every week. Each box provides enough food for 40 families, which means we can help feed 2000 families each year. However, with the new supermarket open, we hope to support even more people in need.
What is the most valuable way for locals to get involved?
There are many ways to help those in need, and one easy way is to donate items through our donation boxes. You can find these boxes in supermarkets across Gold Coast and Brisbane. Just purchase some extra items to donate, and you’ll be making a difference in the lives of others. Once the boxes are full, volunteers from SOP collect the items and create ‘bags of love’, which include items such as non-perishable food, and essentials such as toothpaste, bottled water, and sanitary items for the free supermarket.
What are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months?
As we move into the new year, we are committed to continuing our work serving those in need with compassion and integrity. We are proud to be known as a collaborative charity that works closely with other charities and organisations to meet the needs of our community. We look forward to continuing this important work in the coming year and beyond.
Free supermarket
Expansion plans into other states and bigger partnerships
Have our national HQ fit-out complete so we can operate properly
SOP App (Delivery and logistics)
Create more amazing initiatives to help everyone in need.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/Coffee spot: Le Cafe Gourmand in Mermaid Beach & The Salt Mill in Currumbin
Beach: Currumbin
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
Enjoying time with my family or at various Serving Our People activations with the family.
To read the full article click here https://www.insidegoldcoast.com.au/meet-yas-matbouly