KSS January eKourier 2024

CHARITY

HELPING HANDS

BUILDING STEPPING STONES

As the sun set over the iconic Sydney skyline, Cockatoo Island came alive with the warm glow of compassion and community spirit along with a sea of Kennards Boxes at the 2023 Stepping Stone House Sleep Under the Stars event.

Vinod Reddy from Rotary Club of Rockdale at Martin Place in Sydney

L tp R: Deepa Chirayath - Digital Marketing Coordinator, Fiona Harding - Head of Business Development & Partnerships and Darryl Hodgson - NSW Operations Manager

"Good Afternoon Sharon,

Just thought of sharing this from last night's food service in Martin Place. Those Heavy Duty Kennards boxes are awesome for delivering hot meals. You folks benevolence is priceless - we are ever so indebted. Also despite yesterday's inclement weather, we made our early morning track to Southern Highlands to deliver a ute-full of much needed kitchen - ware comprising of Crockery/Cutlery/ Toiletries/Blankets and other onboard Q-items to POP IN a Women's day drop-in home in Bowral. All it took was an email to you Sharon and 20 heavy duty boxes were donated to pack the kitchenware. We will shortly commence planning and packing another load of stock for delivery hopefully before Christmas to also now include children's toys and games.

T he annual gathering brought together individuals from all walks of life, businesses and families for a night of camaraderie, purpose, and fundraising. The event served as a powerful reminder that, for many young people, a stable home is not a given, and the challenges they face can be daunting. The theme this year focused on ‘Trust’. We heard some life-changing stories from their young people about what trust meant for them and how understanding ‘trust’ has changed their lives. Trust is a fundamental aspect of human relation- ships and interactions, playing a crucial role in personal, professional, and societal dynamics, but for so many who spoke that night, it was a vital ingredient missing until finding Stepping Stone House.

solidarity within the community.

For those of you that donated, you have helped to support 46 young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Australia for a year! Something you should be very proud of. The Kennards FREEDOM Fighters pulled together $49,294 in just three short weeks. Which made us the second highest fundraising team. DHL took home first place with $109,857 made up a team of 40+. I think our small team of three did a bloody great job! in 2024 we look forward to sharing more with the centres, I know over the years the momentum has grown to take part. Let's make 2024 the biggest team we’ve seen.

We are truly humbled and indebted for Kennards ongoing support

Thanks and Kind Regards,

Fiona Harding Head of Business Development & Partnerships

Vinod."

The goal was not only to raise funds but also to foster a sense of empathy and

14 Kennards Kourier Jan 2024