Cronulla RSL's latest fundraising campaign has returned ahead of the festive season.
Trees of Hope is back, and this year it's giving 11 community organisations the chance to decorate a Christmas tree to symbolise each aspect of their individual support for the community.
Members, guests, staff and the board vote for their favourite tree in the foyer, and the group who has the tree with the most votes wins a share of $4000. The groups who do not win the top prize, will receive $500.
Tree of Hope has been brightening up Cronulla RSL since 2016. Club Chief Executive Sue McNeill says the campaign highlights the important work being done by organisations.
"Cronulla has an amazing and diverse community. Trees of Hope is a great chance for charities to gain exposure to our members during the Christmas season," she said.
The Club's Community Projects Manager, Natalie Hawkins, said the program was a great way to educate people about the valuable work being done by the organisations.
"One great story, is how two cats who had been at the Sutherland Shire Animal Shelter for 12 months, found a new home after a lady visiting for lunch was really touched by the animal shelters tree. She was unaware of the animal shelter and the volume of animals needing to be adopted, and made a trip to the shelter the next day," she said.
'We have, also seen some great collaborations between the organisations, that have come about by connecting organisations on decoration or presentation day'. One example, is the Community Cafe assisting Hopefield in finding a new location for their hub in Cronulla, or Sailability working with Stellar Experiences to provide their guests with a sailing experience."
People also have a chance to win a Cronulla RSL restaurant voucher. Vote until December 21.
This year the following organisations will be participating in Trees of Hope:
- Cronulla Community Cafe: The Cronulla Community Cafe support people in need, by providing a no-cost food service.
- Dandelion Support Network Inc: A grassroots not-for-profit that supports children and families in need.
- Hopefield: Hopefield's purpose is to serve those in our community experiencing poverty, disadvantage, distress or isolation.
- Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation: Delivering services to young people impacted by family mental illness with the aim of empowering them to build resilience, lifelong knowledge and abilities so they can reach their potential.
- Learning Links: Learning Links works in collaboration with schools, early childhood settings and parents to help children with learning disabilities and difficulties.
- Sailability Cronulla: Sailability help the elderly, the financially/ socially disadvantaged as well as people with physical challenges get access to sailing.
- Endeavour SKWAD: Students in Support Units in mainstream schools receive no effective funding for specialised programs and resources. SKWAD fundraises to address this deficiency.
- Stellar Experiences: Empowering Independence. Inspiring Inclusion. Through supported social outings, travel & individual experiences
- Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter: The shelter houses dogs and cats that have been abandoned, found stray, surrendered or have been seized. If animals cannot be returned to their owners, the shelter seeks new homes for them.
- Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch: A dedicated group of veterans and their supporters, united in our commitment to serving those who have served our nation. We provide essential support services to veterans and their families.
- Surfers Rescue 24/7: Surfers Rescue 24/7 is a free board rescue and CPR course available for all surfers and recreational water users in NSW. An initiative of Surfing NSW.
