Login
iscover
Every night across Australia, there are over 44,000 young people who are homeless, a daunting statistic that the Property Industry Foundation and its members have set about to change.
The foundation put together a fundraising sailing day last Friday, 2 March, to support at-risk and homeless young people.
The PIF Melbourne Charity Sailing Day raised in excess of $100,000 on the day, and the beneficiary charities were the Lighthouse Foundation, Melbourne City Mission and Whitelion Australia — charities which have been working tirelessly at helping Australia’s youth for more than 20 years.
Nearly 40 yachts took part in the event, which brought more than 400 people from the property and construction industry together, including Rio Olympic silver medalists Lisa Darmanin and Jason Waterhouse and PIF event patron and America’s Cup winning skipper John Bertrand AO.
Mr Bertrand said that he is passionate about helping young people.
“They are our future,” the yachtsman said.
“Homeless and at-risk young people are our country’s most vulnerable. This year, we raised in excess of $100,000 for the foundation’s great work in creating homes and opportunities for these young people.”
The chairman of PIF Victoria, Daryl Browning, said that it is humbling to see the industry unite together year after year to support this important cause.
“The funds raised at PIF’s Melbourne Charity Sailing Day are pivotal to ending youth homelessness and allows the industry to make a tangible difference.
“With this funding, the property industry can pull resources, time and expertise to build homes for homeless and at-risk young people.”
General manager of PIF Victoria Wendy Brakey said that the fundraising is for an excellent cause.
“It is truly inspiring to see the industry raise funds but also actually build these much-needed homes for homeless and at-risk youth.
“It makes sense for Australia’s most socially conscious property companies to have a trusted body that dedicates all its time to providing worthy opportunities for these companies to truly give back.
“The property industry loves to generously devote their expertise for the greater good, and we are proud to see our list of members growing each year.”
Over the last five years, the PIF has invested a total of $6.5 million into vital programs, helping its charity partners to rebuild young people’s lives.
With the generosity of the property industry in donating funds as well as their goods and services, the PIF has been able to construct two houses over the past two years, one in Bonbeach and another in Coburg. These houses provide accommodation and services to young people so they can focus on rebuilding their lives with the proper support around them.
You are not authorised to post comments.
Comments will undergo moderation before they get published.