Generous support from our corporate sponsors put smiles on faces in December, with 143 Christmas gifts purchased for young people at Melbourne City Mission (MCM). “Both staff and recipients were overjoyed by the generosity and consideration given to them by altruistic people and businesses,” says Renae Johnston, MCM General Manager, Philanthropy and Partnerships. “It made the recipients feel valued and loved when they often feel invisible, stigmatised, and ignored.”
Donors included the GPT Group, 500 Collins, Knight Frank and Aliro. “We gave 35 gifts for 16–24-year-olds,” says Kerrie Judge Director, Operations, VIC Frank Knight. “We have been supporters of the Property Industry Foundation in Victoria since its inception and we also support the Foundation in NSW and QLD, as well as being National Corporate Donors. The Haven Project program of building homes for homeless youth and giving them a start is important to all of us as Australians – homelessness is something nobody should ever have to face.”
Meanwhile, 500 Collins provided 38 $50 vouchers to MCM from various youth-focused brands such as Amazon, JB Hi-Fi and David Jones. “Occupants working at 500 Collins were invited to contribute to the initiative by buying a voucher or writing a Christmas card to accompany the vouchers,” says Clive Prime, Asset Manager – Kamirice (owner of 500 Collins). “Melbourne City Mission provides a vital service to our community in Melbourne. As long-term owners of CBD office buildings, we are acutely aware of the challenges faced by homeless people in the city, especially homeless youth, and we know how important it is for us to support the great work MCM does.”
The Property Industry Foundation’s drive to change the lives of young people experiencing homelessness is achieved through its ongoing partnerships with charity service providers like MCM. “MCM’s long-term partnership with the Property Industry Foundation has allowed MCM to provide facilities and resources to make a significant difference in the lives of young people who need help and support,” says Renae. “Together we can forge positive pathways for the future. And together we continue to deliver impact and achieve more in addressing significant barriers resulting from trauma, mental health, family violence and disadvantage.”
