National residential developer Villa World has raised $140,000 to help Mates in Construction and Act for Kids, through its annual fundraising Christmas Classic golf day.
Villa World hosted 180 guests at the charity golf day at Links Hope Island, raising money to support construction workers at risk of suicide and children at risk of abuse and neglect.
Last month, Villa World handed over a cheque of $70,000 to each of the charities.
Villa World CEO Craig Treasure said the donation would not have been possible without the support of Villa World’s generous suppliers and contractors.
“We had tremendous support at the Christmas Classic from our suppliers and contractors who got behind the raffles and openhandedly donated to Mates in Construction and Act for Kids,” he said.
Act for Kids provides free therapy and support services to children and families who have experienced or are at risk of child abuse and neglect.
Act for Kids CEO Dr Neil Carrington said one child is abused or neglected every 11 minutes in Australia.
“The donation will go directly toward our Integrated Therapy Programs to provide intensive therapy for children that have experienced child abuse and neglect,” Dr Carrington said.
“A donation of this size is enough to fund more than 650 hours of therapy or support 54 children on their journey to a safe and happy childhood.
“The support of Villa World will allow us to deliver psychology, speech pathology and occupational therapy support to children affected by abuse or neglect,” he said.
Last year alone, Act for Kids worked with more than 40,000 children and families across all of its education, prevention and treatment services.
“We are so grateful for the support we receive from organizations such as Villa World that allow us to expand our reach, increase our therapy hours and ultimately, help more children,” Dr Carrington said.
Mr Treasure said Act for Kids was another charity that hit close to home for Villa World and its staff.
“Most of us have our own families, and it’s heartbreaking to hear the number of children that are affected by abuse and neglect every year,” he said.
“The Act for Kids programs are incredibly unique due to the multidisciplinary approach to healing they provide. The programs are funded solely through fundraising and donations, so it’s crucial that businesses and individuals get behind them.”