Two children’s charities will receive a combined total of $475,000 from Sony Foundation Australia, a representative said. The two children’s charities are Rural Aid, a mental health initiative for primary school aged children of drought affected families and “You Can Stay,” an emergency accommodation program for youth cancer patients 

According to Sony Foundation Ambassador, Jessica Mauboy,  $288,000 will be directed to Rural Aid, a not-for-profit that provides psychoeducation to primary school aged children from 60 schools. The program aims normalise mental health issues caused by the anxiety and depression experienced within farming families and includes workshops at schools, peer support groups and phone counselling. 

The proceeds were raised from sales of the charity album titled “Drought Relief” released by Sony Music Entertainment Australia. The 29-track album, featuring both Australian and international artists who donated their biggest tracks royalty free, raised funds to assist the 2018/2019 drought appeal following one of the worst drought conditions experienced in decades. 

“Australians united in deep concern for our farmers and rural communities who endured the worst drought crisis many had ever faced. We quickly released the ‘Drought Relief’ charity album and we are now thrilled that the generosity of many Australians is being directed to Rural Aid to assist young Australians who continue to be affected as a result of the relentless drought,” said Denis Handlin AO, Sony Foundation Australia Board Director. 

Handlin is also Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand.  

You Can Stay 

Separately, leading corporate businesses have come together to raise over $187,000 for Sony Foundation Australia’s newest program, “You Can Stay”. Several corporate partners and businesses made major donations to the 24-hour online appeal “Raise the Wharf”, and “The Bradfield Oration” event hosted by longstanding corporate partner, News Corp Australia. 

In partnership with Quest Apartment Hotels, the program provides accommodation funded by Sony Foundation for regional and rural youth cancer patients who must travel to the city for life-saving treatment.  

The program aims to alleviate the financial and emotional stress that happens when being treated away from home with many in this age group not qualifying for support services.  

The recent fundraising provides nearly 2,000 nights of Sony Foundation funded accommodation for youth cancer patients. 

“We launched You Can Stay earlier this year and already it has proven to be a much needed service for many regional patients around Australia. We estimate we will need approximately $1 million in funding to cover patient needs in the first 12 months of the program, which is an immediate issue whilst major events are impacted by current pandemic restrictions,” said Sophie Ryan, CEO of Sony Foundation.  

 “We are incredibly grateful for our corporate network of partners who continue to see the value in Sony Foundation’s programs and help us to innovate and adapt so we can continue to provide our programs for young Australians in need,” Ryan said.