The Property Industry Foundation’s sailing tradition to change young lives was held on 10 March at Sydney’s prestigious Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA). This year’s event raised an incredible $300,000 for three Haven Projects in Surry Hills and Redfern.
Last Friday brought the long-awaited return of the Sydney Charity Regatta, a highlight in the calendar for property and construction professionals. Our supporters took to the water to champion the Foundation’s vital work to build homes for homeless youth. With the post-pandemic aches and pains finally behind us, it was all hands on deck for a sun-soaked, Rio Regatta extravaganza.
A Sydney Sail Off
Once everybody had caught up, 50 of Sydney’s premier yachts took to Sydney’s sparkling harbour to begin their sail for homeless youth. Crews took advantage of the great weather and opened up the sails to skirt past each other, while the casual spectator yachts made the most of a sunny Friday out with food, drinks, great company and spectacular water views.
Regatta goes to Rio
As the sun went down, supporters returned to the CYCA to be met with all the vibrant colours and sounds of South America as this year’s Rio-themed regatta took full effect. Loud clothing and music filled the afternoon and continued into the night as 700+ charity supporters joined us in celebration of a rewarding day of sailing.
The Foundation’s CEO Kate Mills and Matt Meynell, Head of Investment Services, Colliers Australia, thanked the crowd of sailors and spectators for coming together as a collective to raise funds to provide bedrooms for disadvantaged and homeless young people in New South Wales, who not only are in need but are deserving of the great building standard our industry sets.
Shortly afterwards there was more cause for celebration, as the event’s sailing and fundraising winners were announced.
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Div 1 winner
Company: Charter Hall
Yacht: Whisper
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Div 2 winner
Company: St Hilliers Contracting Pty Ltd
Yacht: Emily
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Div 3 winner
Company: Calida Projects
Yacht: Joss
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Div 4 winner
Company: Buildcorp
Yacht: Holy Cow
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Shemera Cup
Company: Colliers
Yacht: Andoo Comanche
Presented to overall winner
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Bob Ell Cup
Company: Charter Hall
Yacht: Whisper
Presented to the biggest fundraiser in 2022 with a boat in the 2023 Sydney Charity Regatta
Congratulations to this year’s Sydney Charity Regatta Raffle winners!
- 1st Prize – 5 nights on the French Riviera: Angus Hislop
- 2nd Prize – A.H. Beard Queen Platinum Experience Bed: Richard Snow
- 3rd Prize – A long weekend on the Hawkesbury River: Greg Chronopoulos
- 4th Prize – Sailing on Pittwater with lunch: Faye Hill
- 5th Prize – Hunter Valley full-day wine tour: Jennifer Cooper
What a Difference a Day Makes
It didn’t feel like work but the Regatta did some heavy lifting towards our cause as together we managed to raise $300,000 in funds to support Haven Projects currently in development.
Redfern’s Jarjum College
Transforming what was once living quarters for priests into a reinvigorated learning space at Jarjum College, The Learning Space will host an early intervention program that supports the school in its mission to educate and empower urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and alleviate their educational, social, emotional, behavioural and health disadvantages.
The specialised program will offer hands-on, educational support to prevent indigenous children from falling through the cracks in basic literacy, numeracy and general academics.
The Girls & Boys Brigade
Refurbishment of The Girls & Boys Brigade in Surry Hills, which receives more than 6,500 visits per year.
This vital organisation offers support programs, including after-school care and holiday programs for young people and their families experiencing financial, social, educational and housing challenges.
Haven House South Dowling
Every week hundreds of young people experiencing homelessness or in crisis seek help from The Salvation Army. This development of Haven House South Dowling in Surry Hills, to be run by the Salvos, will provide 10 affordable one and two-bedroom transitional units for young people between 16 to 24 years of age who are homeless.
Once built, Haven House South Dowling will increase the accommodation options the Salvos can offer and provide a safe, stable home where their team can deliver the support services that are a critical part of breaking the cycle of homelessness for young people.
Thank you to our amazing sponsors Colliers, oOh! Media and SK Corporate Marketing. Our Raffle partners Life Property Group, A.H. Beard, Grape Experience Tours, and RTW Communications.
Big thanks also to our dedicated Regatta Committee, the fantastic volunteers who put their hands up to support us on the day, and everyone that took the time to spend the day sailing or celebrating great connection to change the lives of homeless youth.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE!
We’d love to hear more about your experience with the Property Industry Foundation at this year’s Sydney Charity Regatta! Please take part in a 5-minute survey to help us make events like the Regatta better for you and our supporters.
