Kick Start raises funds for homeless youth on construction sites
Social enterprise Kick Start has a mission to help young people get a start in the hospitality sector, so the team again jumped at the chance this year to help raise funds for homeless youth.
With its mobile food trailers located on construction sites across Sydney, Kick Start is uniquely placed to raise funds for the Property Industry Foundation-fundraiser Hard Hat Day.
The Property Industry Foundation (PIF) believes that “every young Australian deserves a safe, secure home environment – which provides a foundation of opportunity from which they can determine their future”.
Sadly, thousands of young people do not have a roof over their head – PIF partners with its supporters to build accommodation.
Hard Hat Day is one of its major fundraisers.
This year, Kick Start raised $3782.50 amount across its construction sites – this was matched by the PAYCE Foundation for total of $7565.
Long-term partner Charter Hall also matched Kick Start’s fundraising effort taking the grand total $11,347.50.
A PAYCE Foundation social enterprise, Kick Start operates a fleet of mobile cafes on construction sites and provides training and employment opportunities for young people.
Kick Start aims to partner with developers, builders, industry stakeholders and community organisations to deliver positive social outcomes through jobs and training for young people from social housing and disadvantaged backgrounds.
During their employment with Kick Start, trainees participate in a six-month program that includes practical on-the-job training, formal qualifications in hospitality and one-on-one mentoring to help them succeed.
PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan congratulated the Kick Start team for their fundraising efforts.
“Every day the Kick Start managers are focused on assisting young people build a brighter future,” he said.
“The Property Industry Foundation has the same mission, and Hard Hat Day is the perfect way to partner with a results-focused organisation and assist youth facing homelessness.
“The Kick Start team, including current trainees, is passionate about helping other young people facing hardship and that’s reflected in the fundraising efforts.”