A business has gone above and beyond its usual company responsibilities and has showed that its earnings can pave a generous path for people in need of a hand.
Sutherland District Trade Union Club – Tradies, has won an award for supporting homeless services in Sutherland Shire.
It won at the Clubs NSW Clubs and Community Awards on October 13 at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.
Tradies took home the award for disability, welfare and social inclusion.
Since mid-2016, it has actively increased engagement with organisations in the area, and has been dedicated to helping people who experience financial difficulties or homelessness.
The club supports Joshua’s Kitchen, which serves a free weekly meal at Jannali Uniting Church, One Meal Sutherland Shire, which serves dinner and hand out provisions from a car park at Sutherland, Platform 9, which offers temporary accommodation help people get back on their feet, and Need A Feed in Helensburgh, which provides food security.
Tradies general manager Jason McMaster says the club was determined to help the community when it was confronted with the stark reality of homelessness in the region.
“One of our staff first brought the issue of homelessness to our attention and our board and management team were shocked by the statistics,” he said.
“Not having a place to call home, not knowing how you will feed your family for the next week – that’s a heartbreaking situation to be in.
“Over the years, [our help has] included staff volunteering, donations of furniture, food and winter essentials, advertising assistance and over $60,000 in financial support.”
“We are honoured to have won the award, but the people who deserve the most praise are the volunteers who work tirelessly to help others get through the tough times and come out the other side with a brighter future. They inspire us everyday and we are proud to support the incredible work they do.”
