Big hearts raise cash for homelessness

Big hearts raise cash for homelessnessMore than $230,000 was raised at the annual Property Industry Foundation (PIF) charity ball at Sydney’s Luna Park, with the proceeds to support young people leaving foster care.Each night, 44,000 young Australians are homeless. Established in 1996 to address the persistent problem of youth homelessness, PIF has raised more than $30 million to build safe houses, and to support charities delivering programs for at-risk youth.The PIF ball, held on Friday 29 July, attracted hundreds of people from across the property and construction industry. PIF is currently constructing two new houses to accommodate young people who are transitioning from foster care to independence. The money raised from the ball will fund house-parents at the PIF House project at Dundas in Sydney’s north west. PIF’s national chairman and chief executive of GPT Group, Bob Johnston, says the new PIF Houses will accommodate up to 22 young people, and will provide 24-hour support, healthcare and life skills training.Christoper Ahern, commercial director at principal sponsor Ganellen, said the event was “not about the funds we raise but the homes we will create”.Property Council chief executive Ken Morrison urges the industry to support PIF’s projects.”Supporting PIF helps our industry give back to some of those most in need of shelter.”PIF’s challenge is immense, as half our nation’s homeless population is young people under the age of 25. PIF really does help young people get back on their feet.”PIF’s National Hard Hat Campaign on 30 September is the next opportunity for the industry to dig deep. Find out how you can team up with your colleagues to host your own fundraising activity, and make a difference to homelessness.