QUT Planning Students Association (QUTPSA) has supported the Property Industry Foundation for a second year, through their popular Charity Hamper Raffle.
This student-run group for those studying QUT’s Bachelor of the Built Environment and undertaking majors or minors in Urban and Regional Planning, started volunteering for Foundation events in 2023 and launched their fundraising raffle at their annual Awards of Excellence in 2024.
”“As students and emerging built environment professionals, we are the young people that could very well be impacted by the housing crisis and unsafe housing. By bringing young perspectives, and a more progressive social and political outlook into a traditionally conservative sector, we can try to help those around us and make life better for all.”
Isabella Steffen, QUTPSA President.
The group supports the Foundation’s mission to build safe, supported and secure housing for homeless youth, where they can work to rebuild their lives.
“Our Awards of Excellence supports the Foundation through a Charity Hamper Raffle kindly donated by an industry supporter, the Planning Institute of Australia’s Queensland Emerging Planners Committee,” says Isabella.
“All proceeds raised from this raffle are donated to the Foundation – in 2025 we raised $315, and in 2024 we raised $405.”
This passionate group of young planning students encourages learning and networking outside of a classroom environment. Being involved with the Foundation through events and fundraising provides opportunities to meet likeminded industry professionals and learn more about the difficulties faced by vulnerable and marginalised youth. “We have never endeavoured to make these fundraising efforts about the optics or good looks,” Isabella explains. “It stems from a genuine passion for the issue the Foundation is directly aiming to solve – ending youth homelessness in Australia.”
Want to run a community fundraiser? Every bit counts in the fight against youth homelessness! With your help we can have an impact on thousands of young, vulnerable people through funding systemic change, supporting our frontline charities, and building secure homes for homeless youth. Here are some ways to give back
