PAYCE Foundation extends support for Sydney Street Choir

The funding will support employment of a social worker who provides crucial assistance to choir members in the areas of housing, domestic violence, drug and alcohol counselling and general welfare.

The PAYCE Foundation will also assist the Sydney Street Choir capture and communicate its work and significant social impact.

It will also continue to be the major sponsor of the Sydney Street Choir’s Corporate Challenge, which has enjoyed great success and support from the corporate sector.

The Sydney Street Choir Corporate Challenge, an initiative of the PAYCE Foundation, was first held in 2017.

Over the last four years, the challenge has culminated in a concert in Martin Place, which has also raised funds for the Sydney Street Choir.

This year, the concert is planned for November 16.

Corporate companies which have participated in the challenge include Virgin Australia, AMP, APA Group, Colin Biggers & Paisley, Macquarie Group, Minter Ellison, PAYCE, Paynter Dixon, PwC Australia and TOGA.

The Sydney Street Choir, which was formed in 2001, provides members with a unique bridge to social services for those most in need.

It is also a focal point for its members, particularly in hard times, providing friendship, community interaction and practical support.

The Choir’s services are in demand through the year, and the members’ passion for music and willingness to share has been far-reaching, with performances at the Sydney Opera House and as far afield as Tasmania.

The Choir has provided invaluable support for its members over the past 18 months with the increased isolation presented by COVID-19 lockdowns.

The PAYCE Foundation has also supported the Sydney Street Choir in securing funding from the City of Sydney to acquire tablets so that choir members could stay connected and continue to rehearse.

PAYCE Foundation Director James Boyd said the Foundation was pleased to continue its support for the organisation.

“The Street Choir under the wonderful direction of James Paul is an organisation which provides life-changing support for some of our most vulnerable members of our society,’’ he said.

“Despite the challenges of the last 18 months, the Street Choir has continued to operate and bring joy to so many people.

“We also look forward to assisting the Street Choir with the Corporate Challenge which has proved popular with some of Sydney’s leading companies.’’

Sydney Street Choir Director James Paul said the PAYCE Foundation was part of the Choir family.

“The Foundation’s valuable support and assistance has enabled the Choir to grow, increasing our capacity to help those most in need,” Mr Paul said.

“We now have over 100 people participating in our various Choir programs across Sydney each week.’’