The Property Industry Foundation (PIF) held its largest annual Brisbane Charity Regatta in May at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Manly, for the state’s homeless youth.
A total of 41 yachts set sail with industry teams from more than 35 organisations manning the helm, including Built, Kane Constructions, Charter Hall, KPMG, Colliers and AVID Property Group.
Over 400 construction and property leaders, PIF members, volunteers, industry guests and a youth representative attended the foundation’s 11th annual regatta.
PIF’s QLD State Manager Antoinette Rusby-Perera said the event raised much-needed funds and awareness for Queensland’s homeless youth, who make up 37% of the state’s homeless population.
“The regatta is always such a fantastic occasion and opportunity for the industry to come together to have fun while making a real difference,” Rusby-Perera said. “The need for affordable housing and social housing solutions in our community has never been greater, and we’re hoping that in our 11th year of running this event, we can do more than ever to play a part in addressing the issue head-on.”
The winner of this year’s charity race was Rider Levett Bucknall sailing Echidna.
As the sun went down, guests continued the night in a transformed venue for the post-race celebrations.
The sizable $150K sum raised through the regatta goes directly towards PIF’s Haven Project, building more bedrooms and providing safe nights of sleep in Queensland, with several new projects under scope and feasibility.
Rusby-Perera reiterated the importance of these initiatives within the context of the escalating cost of living and housing crisis.
“In the midst of the current cost of living crisis and a real lack of affordable housing, the odds are stacked against young people seeking a safe place to call home, as only 2.8% of social housing is allocated to youth,” Rusby-Perera said. “The mission of The Haven Project is to bring hope and a feeling of stability and security to vulnerable and at-risk young people and give them the chance to break the cycle of hardship.”
PIF has built 16 bedrooms in Queensland for homeless youth since 2013, with a healthy pipeline currently undergoing design and scope.
For more information on how to get involved or to donate, please visit PIF’s website.
Read also: Lighthouse and Pathways partner to support homeless Jewish youth
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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