From donations to youth engagement hub Passages, to abseiling 70 metres down a building for Puddle Jumpers, the Viridian team have plenty to share in this September Community update!
Join Sharna Meinetrz (Executive Advisor), Tien Lac (Client Services Manager) and Ian Granter (Head of Infinity Capital Finance, Director Client Services & Director of Viridian Foundation) as they take a look at what’s been happening through our Community program over the past few months, and reflect on how we’ve been making a difference in moments that matter…
Exciting Community News from the Perth Team!
Our major support in Western Australia is for Passages, a youth engagement hub providing a non-judgemental safe space to at-risk young people aged 12-25 who are experiencing homelessness in Perth and Peel.
Just recently, the team in Western Australia raised $1, 750 to gift from the Viridian Foundation to Passages.
Already making a difference..
Passages have used these funds to purchase a provision of gift cards for young people to use when they require emergency relief assistance, often when they move from the streets to a home. The gift vouchers allow Passages to support clients in purchasing kitchen utensils, bedding and electrical items, or assist them in buying items required for starting TAFE/employment.
Niamh Kiely, Manager of Homelessness Services shared these words with me: “It is very warming to know that we (Passages team) can, with the support of Viridian Advisory, offer to take our clients on a shopping trip to purchase their first kettle and toaster and/or new interview attire; this provision really makes our jobs so satisfying and puts a smile on the young people’s faces. These experiences are so important to reimburse young people with positive social experiences alike shopping trips that they may have never experienced before.”
This is truly fantastic news, and we are so glad to hear that our donations are helping those in our community who need it most.
Sharna Meinertz is an Executive Advisor at Viridian Advisory.
The Big Plunge!
On Saturday September 18th, I abseiled down the Intercontinental Hotel in Adelaide in support of Puddle Jumpers! Puddle Jumpers is a non-profit, non-government organisation committed to responding to the social development needs of society’s most vulnerable children and young people. They believe that all kids matter and deserve the right to engage in happy and fun experiences in their life.
Abseiling down 25 floors (70 metres) was an exhilarating experience and one I feel very lucky to have been a part of. The scariest part was the very first step – stepping and leaning backwards over the ledge, but after that, the decent was quite fun, with a few stops along the way to take in the view. Others, like Michael Ehrentraut, our Chairman of the Viridian Foundation, weren’t so relaxed about the plunge and had a nervous wait for me to complete the abseil and for my feet to touch the ground again! The Today Show even captured this unique event, which you can check out here.
I am excited to share that I ended up raising $2,144.50 for Puddle Jumpers, exceeding my target of $2000! My team of four, which included Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks, raised a total of $7,952.75. Puddle Jumpers as an organisation reached a total of $75,379.16, also exceeding their target of $70 000.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone that donated to this worthy cause. The money raised will go towards a 3 day/2-night weekend camp of up to 60 children and parents.
Melanie Tate, the CEO and Founder of Puddle Jumpers, shared these words about the impact this will have: “You won’t truly know the joy this brings, until you see the 60+ smiling faces of the kids. For every 60 that go there are another 60 that don’t, this money allows an extra group to enjoy a small trip away”.
Tien Lac is a Client Services Manager at Viridian Advisory.
Cancer Council Pro Bono Update…
In our July newsletter, we were excited to announce Viridian Advisory has established an important relationship with the Cancer Council for Pro Bono Advice.
Over 20 advisors, across 5 different states, have volunteered to provide financial assistance to families and individuals impacted by cancer.
We are pleased to share that this program is well underway across Viridian, and we have received a number of referrals from the Cancer Council right across the country.
Joining this program has provided Viridian with an opportunity to help those who crucially need advice but don’t have the financial means to receive it, and as professionals in this space, it is great to give back and know that we are truly making a difference to someone’s life.
Ian Granter is Head of Infinity Capital Finance, Director Client Services & Director of Viridian Foundation at Viridian Advisory.