The campaign runs from 1 November to 17 December, inviting property owners to donate one day’s rent whilst Harcourts Solutions matches contributions with a day’s income.
After exceeding last year’s $5,000 goal by raising over $5,700, the team has streamlined the process by integrating donations into management agreements.
This makes participation effortless for property owners, with donations appearing on end-of-financial-year statements for straightforward tax claims.
The initiative emerged from the reality of Australia’s housing crisis.
With Harcourts Solutions renting over 800 properties annually, property managers regularly witness the human cost of housing shortages, often having to turn away four families for every successful application.
Jodie Stainton, Director of Property Management at Harcourts Solutions, explained: “We rent 840 properties per year and whilst it’s amazing to let prospective tenants know that they were successful in their chosen property, we were saying no to roughly four families for every one we helped. Our Property Managers were seeing and hearing some really difficult stories which was taxing on them, and we felt we could do something to assist those at the worst end of the housing crisis.”
The partnership with Orange Sky Laundry developed through personal connections. Grace, a Senior Property Manager, introduced the charity through her daughter who works there, and the founders had previously spoken at a Harcourts conference, creating a natural alignment with company values.
Orange Sky Laundry operates mobile vans across Australia, providing free laundry services, warm showers, and genuine conversation to people experiencing homelessness and hardship.
Their mission focuses on positively connecting communities through practical support and human dignity.
Arabella Mengel, Fundraising Support Officer for Orange Sky said, ”The support of Harcourts Solutions has been amazing. The $20,000 will support a van for a full two months.”
The fundraising campaign will conclude at Harcourts’ Christmas T-Shirt Day event on 17 December, where the team will present the cheque to Orange Sky Laundry representatives.
Pauline Smith, Head of Harcourts Foundation, said: “An amazing cause and a great initiative by the Property Management team. It’s a beautiful way to end the year.”
