Property industry commitment to young homeless people shines in charity regatta

$500,000 has been raised during the 2017 Charity Regatta to build a home for homeless youth, under the Foundation’s PIF House Program. Held at the Middle Harbour Yacht Club, the event was sponsored by Colliers International for the seventh year.

Property Industry Foundation national board member and Colliers International ANZ CEO, John Kenny, reflected on the fact every night across Australia there are over 44,000 young people who are homeless.

“Our support for the Foundation and the Regatta is a tangible way for Colliers International to make a real difference to the serious and persistent problem of youth homelessness,” he said.

In the lead up to the event, the Foundation in association with Colliers International, the Youth Sailing Academy and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia created a two-day Youth Sailing Program.

Aiming to build the confidence of 12 disadvantaged young people and empower them to rebuild their lives, the young people are being assisted by four of the Foundation’s charity partners including Wesley Mission, CatholicCare, Marist180 and Weave Youth & Community Services.

Property Industry Foundation CEO Rosemary Smithson said she was proud of the incredible support response from across the property industry.

“What this shows is that our donors in the property industry are committed to raising funds to rebuild the lives of at-risk and homeless young people,” she said.

Smithson thanked Colliers International as the Principal Sponsor for being such a strong advocate for the Foundation, the Regatta and the Youth Sailing Program.

“The support from Colliers International shows real leadership in corporate philanthropy. By doing that, they are encouraging other corporations to make a difference to the community,” she concluded.