Real estate agents are a philanthropic bunch and with Christmas just around the corner, three networks have given back to charitable causes aimed at making the lives of others better.
Barry Plant smashed records during its annual ‘Wishtober’ initiative, raising a whopping $1 million for Make-A-Wish Australia.
Over the past nine years, each Barry Plant office has contributed a portion of its commission from every property sold throughout October.
The money raised goes towards granting wishes of critically ill children like Oli, a resilient nine-year-old, currently battling medulloblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.
Oli has undergone surgery to remove a 32mm tumour from his head, followed by two small pea-sized tumours on his spine.
Oli also faced 30 rounds of radiation therapy, each requiring a general anaesthetic, and he has begun chemotherapy.
Through Wishtober and Make-A-Wish Australia, Oli’s dream of a personal backyard clubhouse came true.
Barry Plant Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Pennell, said she was impressed by the franchisees’ exceptionally generous support over an extended period.
“It’s impressive that year after year, our director group has generously given back to the community in so many ways, but the commitment to donate part of every commission for a whole month of every year is both significant and indicative of the culture of this special business,” she said.
“As a company, Barry Plant places a great importance on contributing to the community, forging connections with our clients, and actively engaging with our local neighbourhoods – not just because it’s good business, but because we genuinely want to.
“This milestone for the group is more than just a number; it’s a beacon of hope for kids like Oli.”
The successful Barry Plant ‘Wishtober’ isn’t just an annual event; it’s a powerful collaboration that has been transforming lives for nearly a decade. And Make-A-Wish Australia is a symbol of compassion, resilience, and a community coming together to make a significant difference.
Harcourts donate 2000 tigers
Harcourts Western Australia has also got into the Christmas spirit, joining Domino Pizza to donate 2000 toy tigers to the Special Children’s Christmas Parties.
The Special Children’s Christmas Parties are for children who may have serious illnesses, physical impairment, intellectual impairment, suffered domestic violence, or are living in underprivileged circumstances.
Their simple goal is to put a smile on their faces.
Harcourts WA CEO Shane Kempton said giving back to the children at the party was “very humbling”.
“My wife Lara and I (and I’m sure many others) left there today feeling very grateful and better for the experience,” he said.
Mr Kempton said Harcourts WA was a ruby sponsor of the event, pledging $20,000, but it was the team members that lent a hand that was the most special.
“The highlight for us was the smiles on the faces of both parents and children when they got their Harcourts Tiger!” Mr Kempton said.
“Plus, we had over 30 of our people volunteering to ensure it was the finest experience for these special children.
“Directors Ben and Lisa Bernacki from Harcourts Alliance, had around 20 of their staff and family there,” he said.
“Sharon Adams from their office volunteered on both days.”
Ms Adams said she wouldn’t have missed the party for the world.
“It’s such a special time,” she said.
“Hats off to all volunteers, organisers, and sponsors – there is not a better feeling than giving time to help others and we were truly the blessed ones to be part of it.”
Raine & Horne help the homeless
Raine & Horne has also reaffirmed its dedication to Dignity’s ‘1 Million Meals’ Food Relief Expansion Project.
Over the next 12 months, the Raine & Horne Foundation will contribute $100,000.
Initiated in 2021 in the middle of the challenges of COVID-19, the partnership between the Raine & Horne Foundation and Dignity aimed to address the critical homelessness crisis arising from pandemic-induced lockdowns across many parts of Australia.
“Partnering with Dignity has always been a natural collaboration for us – we made a commitment 140 years ago to give back to the communities in which we serve, and the initiatives alongside Dignity allows us to do just that,” Raine & Horne Executive Chairman, Angus Raine, said.
Dignity, an organisation providing essential services such as supported temporary accommodation and stable housing for up to 180 individuals nightly, has been instrumental in preventing homelessness and supporting more than 65,000 people since its inception.
Founder and CEO of Dignity, Ms Suzanne Hopman, expressed her gratitude for the Raine & Horne Foundation’s vital support, underlining how this partnership significantly bolsters the charitable organisation’s food relief, temporary accommodation, and long-term housing programs.
“We simply could not support and empower the number of people we do without the support of our corporate partner, Raine & Horne Foundation,” she said.
“This partnership has helped Dignity support more people through our food relief program, supported temporary accommodation and longer-term housing programs.
“In addition, Raine & Horne has made a tangible impact with corporate volunteering and fundraising activities around Australia.”
In 2022, Dignity named a guest house as Raine & Horne Foundation House in recognition of Raine & Horne’s steadfast support.
With 11 furnished, self-contained units, the Raine & Horne Foundation House offers over 4000 nights of accommodation per year.
As an exclusive Platinum Sponsorship partner in 2024, the Raine & Horne Foundation’s increased support will contribute substantially to Dignity’s ambitious ‘1 Million Meals’ project.
The initiative aims to provide a million meals to individuals at risk of homelessness across Australia, working in conjunction with partners such as Youfoodz and a network of volunteers.
Underlining the pressing homelessness crisis, over 3.3 million Australians, including 761,000 children, live below the poverty line, often facing the dilemma of choosing between paying rent and buying food.
Dignity’s food relief program, distributing over 6,000 meals per month, remains insufficient to meet this growing need.
In addition to providing meals, Dignity strategically places its food relief freezers in community centres, connecting recipients with available services to prevent homelessness.
