The Harcourts Foundation has notched up two community wins in recent weeks, awarding a grant to a long-running Perth choir and helping raise more than $53,000 for national homelessness charity Orange Sky.
Perth Harmony Chorus, a women’s a cappella group and chapter of Sweet Adelines International, has been contributing to the Western Australian community for more than 40 years. The Foundation’s grant will support the chorus’ ongoing programs, helping the organisation continue offering connection, confidence and wellbeing through singing and performance.
Pauline Smith, Head of the Harcourts Foundation, said the chorus was more than a choir.
“It’s a place where friendships are formed, confidence is built and people experience the positive impact that comes from belonging to a supportive community. We’re delighted to help the chorus continue its wonderful work,” Pauline said.
Committee member Renee Mutetwa said the grant would have a lasting impact on the group and the community it serves.
“This grant will make a meaningful difference to our organisation and the community we serve,” Renee said.
“The funding will help us continue providing opportunities for connection, support and inclusion through our programs and activities. We are incredibly grateful for The Harcourts Foundation’s support and belief in our work.”
Pauline said the chorus embodied the spirit of community the Foundation seeks to support.
“Whether it’s helping people through hardship, creating opportunities for connection or supporting organisations that improve quality of life, the Harcourts Foundation exists to strengthen communities,” she said.
Separately, Harcourts Head of Auctions Kobe Rae donated his time to conduct the charity auction at Vanloads of Hope, an event held at Rivershed, Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane, that brought together Bank of Queensland Group directors and executives, customers, Queensland Government representatives and Orange Sky supporters. Three items went under the hammer, including a Bank of Queensland corporate box experience for a Brisbane Broncos versus Newcastle Knights NRL match, State of Origin tickets and a Southern Cross Austereo advertising package, helping the event raise more than $53,000.
Orange Sky, the Foundation’s national charity partner, provides free mobile laundry, warm showers and genuine connection for people experiencing homelessness and hardship. When the charity needed an experienced auctioneer, it approached the Foundation, and Pauline called on Kobe to volunteer.
“When Orange Sky reached out asking if we knew someone who could auction their charity items, Kobe was the first person who came to mind,” Pauline said.
“Partnerships are about showing up when you’re needed, and this was a wonderful example of the Harcourts network doing exactly that.”
For Kobe, the night was a chance to put his professional skills to a different kind of use.
“As real estate professionals, we spend our careers helping people into homes – so being able to lend that same energy toward an organisation working to support people who don’t have one hits close to home,” Kobe said.
“Orange Sky’s work deserves to be acknowledged loudly and often. It’s easy for services like theirs to operate quietly in the background, but the impact of a hot shower, clean clothes and an hour of genuine conversation for someone doing it tough is enormous.”