Ricky Stuart Foundation CEO Miranda Garnett (left), Kulture Break CEO Francis Owusu (centre), Roundabout CEO Jeanette Dyer (right) are the three charities selected for the 10×10 Philanthropy project. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
A group of 10 leading Canberra professionals have joined forces to support local charities to survive, thrive and continue serving the vulnerable in the community.
The professionals have launched a 10×10 Philanthropy chapter in the capital and will hold an event on 31 March, each inviting a minimum of 10 guests.
The sold-out event will have more than 150 guests who will raise funds for three Canberra charities that need a leg up — Roundabout Canberra, Kulture Break and the Ricky Stuart Foundation. The event aims to raise at least $30,000 which will go directly to these charities.
10×10 Philanthropy is a volunteer crowd funding charity empowering the next generation of giving.
Founded in Australia, it now operates in 14 cities around the world.
Young professionals further the 10×10 efforts by raising awareness of, and funds for, smaller, start-up or grassroots charities that provide innovative solutions to social problems, have passionate leaders and an awesome story to tell.
The Shaw and Partners Foundation helped kick start the event by becoming the main corporate sponsor.
Nicole Callan of Shaw and Partners said it was great the event is going ahead despite COVID restrictions, with everyone geared up to have a night out designed around giving back to the community.
Another professional involved, Ellen Bradley of BAL Lawyers, said those behind the 10×10 event are from diverse backgrounds and have different skills.
“When we come together, there’s potential to create meaningful impact,” she said.
The 10×10 event will feature a live Shark Tank style pitch by each charity and a question-and-answer session.
Guests will connect with the charities to boost their capacity, including by providing pro bono services, lending expertise, volunteering and providing financial support. It’s all about supporting the charities to be more efficient, effective and sustainable.
One charity selected for the 10×10 Philanthropy event is Roundabout Canberra which provides families experiencing hardship with essential items and equipment for babies and children up to 16 years of age.
Roundabout Canberra works through social service agencies to provide clean and safe items for babies and young children including clothing, linen, toys, cots, breastfeeding products and prams. For school-aged children, Roundabout Canberra provides items such as clothing packs, books and school supplies.
“In our first year, we helped 300 families and last year nearly 1400,” said founder Hannah Andrevski.
“We expect the need to grow as Jobseeker changes take effect and COVID-19 continues to have an impact. For every $100 donated we provide $450 worth of goods, on average, to needy families – so raising funds is a major priority.”
Another charity is Kulture Break which supports the wellbeing, transformation and empowerment of young people by providing a safe environment for them to participate in performing arts and leadership development.
Kulture Break not only conducts dance classes, it provides mentoring, training and social skilling programs, generating employment across Australia and internationally.
Kulture Break has so far worked with more than 400,000 young people in schools, jails and communities.
Kulture Break supports the wellbeing of young people by providing a safe environment for them to participate in performing arts. Photo: Supplied.
“Raising awareness of all services we provide is critical,” said CEO Francis Owusu.
“Many are aware of our dance and creative opportunities but not so much about our other important services which are mentoring and training and employment services. And while funds are always needed, so is growing our volunteer base, including volunteers with business expertise and acumen who can assist us strategically.”
The Ricky Stuart Foundation is the third charity selected for the event.
The Foundation provides a voice for individuals and families by raising awareness of autism and fundraising to build state-of-the-art respite facilities and homes for individuals living with a disability. Its core mission is to drive autism wellbeing.
Many parents of a child living with a disability must navigate a complex system when considering respite arrangements and transitioning their child from the family home into independent living. Ricky Stuart and his wife Kaylie recognised these complexities while caring for their daughter, Emma, who was diagnosed with autism at 11 years of age.
“Like so many parents with a child with a disability, Ricky and Kaylie recognised that it was time for Emma, now a young adult, to move into her own home, to gain independence and allow her parents to plan for her future,” said CEO Miranda Garnett.
“That’s why our next project is a home for people with a disability.”
Canberra’s launch of 10×10 Philanthropy is supported by other local communities and organisations, including Pialligo Estate which will host the sit-down dinner on 31 March. Silent auction and raffle items have been donated by local businesses including 86 Restaurant, DOMA Hotels, Harvey Norman Commercial and Elevate Running and Fitness.
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