The Hansen Yuncken SkyCity Adelaide Casino Expansion Project / EOS by SkyCity team has donated $20,000 to local domestic violence organisation Zahra Foundation to support women’s financial empowerment.

Hansen Yuncken were looking to support local communities outside of the SkyCity expansion building process and connected with Zahra Foundation at the commencement of the project by hearing from co-founder Arman Abrahimzadeh and Ross Wait, the Deputy Chairperson.

“As part of the SkyCity Expansion Project Charter the project team set a goal on giving something back to the community as a legacy for the project,” said SkyCity Adelaide Expansion Project Development Manager, Scott Bell.

“Hansen Yuncken were influential in setting up the opportunity to promote the raising of funds and we all agreed its vital to support smaller organisations like Zahra Foundation and the important work they do assisting women and children affected by domestic and family violence.” Bell said.

Not only did the team receive an insight into the support Zahra Foundation offers women experiencing domestic violence, they also heard Arman’s harrowing personal account.

“Building the connection with Zahra Foundation from the outset, provided us with an understanding and a clear purpose as to why we were raising these vital funds,” said Hansen Yuncken Project Manager, Luke Crouch.

“Hearing the domestic violence statistics and Arman’s personal account was a powerful moment. Then hearing how Zahra Foundation provides support, education and hope to women and families, provided us with confidence we were supporting the right organisation,” Crouch said.

The $20,000 was raised during construction of the landmark project. A combination of rebates from vending machines and health and wellbeing challenges contributed to the significant donation.

On Thursday 27th May, Arman, Ross, and Zahra Foundation general manager Gemma Burdon returned to the now completed project to receive the donation on behalf of Zahra Foundation.

“In Australia, one woman a week is murdered by her partner or former partner, so it is imperative that the Zahra Foundation continues to deliver our programs and services to break the cycle of violence,” said Mrs Burdon. Among the ways that the foundation does this is by providing women access to financial empowerment.

“We’re so grateful to the team at Hansen Yuncken and the SkyCity expansion project for raising these valuable funds for us. The money will fund a full term of our 9-week small group program that empowers women to find a safer future after experiencing domestic violence. Our program focuses on building self-esteem, decision making and most importantly, financial literacy and provides our clients the opportunity to build a community after the isolation of a domestic violence situation,” Burdon said.

“To have Hansen Yuncken think of innovative ways to raise money for us means more women will be supported. We rely on community donations to keep delivering our valuable programs and services, and we’re thrilled to receive these funds,” she said.