A team from JLL joined a workerbee at the Salvation Army’s Upton Road Youth Refuge, cleaning up their outdoor areas ready for market day.
Ten attendees from JLL volunteered to give back to the Salvo’s Upton Youth Refuge Centre in St Kilda. Every year, the centre supports up to 400 young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness through crisis accommodation, case management, outreach support and education. Their popular social enterprise market stall allows young people at the centre to connect with the wider community, gain job training and feel a sense of purpose.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to make a positive impact at the Upton Youth Refuge Centre, as well as gain further insight to the great work they do for young people in need. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved.”
Craig Shute, Managing Director, JLL
Volunteers from JLL got to work cleaning up the gardens and outdoor spaces. “At JLL we get to take a day’s leave for volunteering and give back for a better community,” says JLL Executive Assistant Hayley Ruedin. “We were partnered with the Salvo’s Upton Youth Refuge Centre by the Property Industry Foundation which was a great opportunity. The team weeded the gardens, pruned trees, topped up soil and mulch and cleaned children’s play equipment. This has a direct impact on the young people at the refuge centre as it’s their home and the gardens are a place of retreat and relaxation. The residents also host a regular market in the front gardens to not only assist them with income but to help build the skills that will assist on their journey of finding stability and security.”
The JLL team found the workerbee a rewarding and fulfilling experience. “Our staff were able to deepen their understanding of the realities faced by those experiencing homelessness,” says Craig. “The experience offered an opportunity to learn about the root causes, systemic issues and potential solutions related to homelessness and crisis support. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the property industry foundation and our new-found relationship with the Upton Road Youth Refuge.”
