News

February 24, 2021 | IN Media Release and News | BY Holly Brennan | 4 min read

Villaworld Homes by AVID Property Group (AVID) has thrown its support behind Act for Kids and MATES in Construction (MATES), raising $92,0000 through its fifth annual Golf Classic fundraising day.

In its five-year partnership with the charities, Villaworld Homes has contributed $377,000 to supporting the crucial work of Act for Kids and MATES, made possible thanks to the generous support of construction industry sponsors.

Villaworld Homes by AVID hosted 180 of its contractors and suppliers last month at its Golf Classic to take a swing for charity at Links Hope Island, handing over a cheque of $46,000 to each of the charities – supporting children at risk of abuse and neglect, and construction workers at risk of suicide.

AVID Property Group General Manager Queensland Bruce Harper said such partnerships stem back to AVID’s community minded philosophy.

“The Golf Classic receives fantastic support from our contractor and supplier community, and in turn, Act for Kids and MATES do a fantastic job in supporting them and the wider community,” Mr Harper said.

AVID Property Group General Manager Housing Peter Wood said although the construction sector had a tough start to 2020, everyone was really willing to get on board and support two extremely important organisations.

“The team had a terrific day on the Green with Act for Kids, Mates in Construction and all of the sponsors,” Mr Wood said.

“We’ve been partnering with MATES and Act for Kids for more than five years now, and the work they do resonates with AVID, Villaworld Homes and all our contractors and suppliers, and it is the perfect partnership for us to be able to make a small difference to our workforce and their families.

“The generosity of our suppliers and contractors to raise such a considerable amount of money for the charities has been incredible, given the hardship that much of our community has faced this year.”

Act for Kids provides therapy and support services to children and families who have experienced or are at risk of child abuse and neglect.

Act for Kids Executive Director Stephen Beckett said the charity was thrilled to partner with Villaworld Homes for the Golf Classic after what has been a challenging year for fundraising events.

“Act for Kids has a long-term relationship with AVID which continues to strengthen every year and their invaluable support enables Act for Kids to deliver more integrated therapy services to more children across South East Queensland,” Mr Beckett said.

“In 2019 to 2020 Act for Kids helped more than 29,000 children, but sadly there were more than 451,000 reports of child abuse, which is why events such as the Golf Classic are deeply valued.”

MATES provides suicide prevention through community development programs on construction sites and supports workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line.

Mates in Construction Co-founder and Queensland Chief Executive Officer Jorgen Gullestrup said the funds raised continues to enhance and improve access to the MATES support program.

“Not only is it a great day of golf, but also an opportunity to connect and foster important conversations with workers across the construction industry, which has been proven to spread awareness and save lives,” Mr Gullestrup said.

“Building and construction workers have above average suicide rates losing six workers to suicide for every fatal workplace accident. MATES doesn’t accept either and the support of AVID largely helps our efforts to make the industry as safe as possible.

“This year more than ever the funds raised will continue to enhance our outreach efforts, extend our opening hours and support programs to help construction workers through what has been a challenging year for all.”