From garden clean ups, to painting rooms, and setting up living spaces … our NSW supporters got involved in transformative year-end working bees for our Charity Partners. Together, our community continues to make a difference in the lives of homeless and at-risk young people.
MPA, Stepping Stone House
On 18 October, MPA’s Sydney team spent the day outside clearing and revitalising the garden and outdoor areas at Haven House Dulwich Hill for Stepping Stone House, which provides accommodation, support and life skills to homeless and at-risk youth.
Thank you to all the MPA staff who took part in these working bees; your efforts make a difference in the lives of homeless and at-risk youth and empower young people to thrive. For more about MPA’s commitment to homeless youth in 2024, read our interview with Sarah Hogan.
The GPT Group & Youth Off The Streets
On 25 Oct, 11 enthusiastic GPT volunteers pitched in for Youth Off The Streets, a leading non-profit youth organisation who offer homelessness and housing support services for children and young people aged 25 and under. The group were charged with revamping housing in Erskineville, in what one volunteer described as “a day full of energy and purpose”. In a productive working bee, GPT created a new bedroom, spruced up two gardens, (including a vibrant living courtyard), and cleared out a skip full of rubbish and green waste.
“GPT is a much-treasured partner of the Property Industry Foundation. As we celebrate our 20-year partnership, we’re incredibly thankful for all that GPT contributes,” said Penny Kaleta, Property Industry Foundation NSW State Manager. “Thanks to partners like GPT, we provide over 89,000 safe sleeps each year for young people in need.”
Brookfield, NAWIC & The Girls Refuge
On 31 October, a team from Brookfield Cares joined a working bee at Haven House Inner West for Detour House Inc & The Girls Refuge. This newly renovated 7-bedroom house in Sydney’s inner west offers crisis accommodation to girls aged 12-17 experiencing trauma or instability at home. Brookfield got to work assembling flat pack furniture and tidying outdoor areas.
On 8 November, NAWIC also joined The Girls Refuge, painting and cleaning rooms. “Throughout the day, we bonded over our shared desire to give back, helping to clean rooms and paint the walls of the all-female crisis centre that provides essential support to young women and girls aged 12-17,” said Cecilia Z, Senior Project Manager at Qanstruct. “It was a fantastic day of learning more about their impactful work and contributing to such a meaningful cause.”
The Girls Refuge are delighted with the results of the overhaul. “The opportunity to work with the Property Industry Foundation and its industry partners has enabled us to improve the quality of our house, ensuring young people in our care feel like they are in a home-like environment,” said Cindi Petersen from The Girls Refuge.
Goodman & Stepping Stone House
On 12 November, our supporters from Goodman joined a working bee at Haven House Dulwich Hill for Stepping Stone House, who provide safe homes for children and young people at risk or experiencing homelessness. As part of their annual Team Day, Goodman’s volunteers grabbed gurneys and garden shears to transform the garden area and bring it to life for the warmer months. “Goodman’s hard work has truly transformed the space, making it feel warm, welcoming, and full of life – especially in the garden,” said Penny Kaleta. “Your efforts are helping create a supportive environment for young people, and we couldn’t be more grateful!”
Colliers & The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Services Sydney
On 22 November, 37 dedicated volunteers from Colliers gave back to Oasis Youth Services Sydney, part of The Salvation Army. Oasis offers crisis accommodation, and outreach support for young people 16- 21 years old who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The Colliers team transformed a garage and donations room, revitalised the courtyard, and cleared out multiple spaces. They also generously donated over $1,000 in gift cards for young people facing homelessness this Christmas.
“If we were to do what the Foundation and the Colliers Team have done, it would’ve taken us three years to fundraise and six months to complete,” said Elaine Yallop, Regional Manager Oasis Youth Service. “We cannot thank you enough and by taking time out of your life to do what you have done; it makes the young people feel like someone cares about them.”
Plenary Group, Pariter, & Caretakers Cottage
On Friday 29 November, Plenary Group and Pariter Sydney office used their annual volunteer leave to help with painting and garden maintenance at Haven House Sylvania. Caretakers Cottage operates this medium-term residence, providing specialised support and independent living skills for young adults aging out of the Out of Home Care Sector. A recent renovation has provided two extra bedrooms and a new bathroom, with more upgrades to staff areas in 2025. “Thank you for giving the team an inside look at the importance of days like this – for both organisations, and for the young people who are soon to call this house their home,” said the Pariter and Plenary teams.
Charter Hall and Caretakers Cottage
On 11 December, Charter Hall also joined a working bee at Haven House Sylvania, painting rooms and setting up furniture for the bedrooms as part of Phase 1 of the renovation project for the home. Charter Hall was awarded a Property Industry Foundation Champion Company for 2024 for their consistent support and enthusiasm across our volunteering, Haven House projects and fundraising events. “The Foundation brings the property and construction sector together by providing us all with an opportunity to engage in a range of initiatives that are close to our hearts and our values,” says Charter Hall.
