09 Mar How much did we raise for The Sanctuary Refuge?

The International Women’s Day Charity Fundraiser saw 80 men and women come together for a great day out to support an excellent cause, local privately funded charity The Sanctuary Refuge. There were photos, giftboxes, networking, and raffle prizes in abundance. The speaker panel included Christine Lennon, Shannen Simmons, Loz Antonenko, Candace Hazeltine, Francesca Moi, and Monique Jeremiah, who spoke passionately and candidly about their life experiences, opportunity, health, wellness, diversity, creating workplaces in which women can thrive, and the importance of inclusivity.

Simone, founder, CEO, and social worker of The Sanctuary Refuge, also reminded us why we were there, sharing stories of women and children lost to domestic violence, and the real nature of domestic violence, saying “Domestic violence isn’t restricted by postcode or class – it’s everywhere. I’ve had women turn up [to the refuge] driving Maserati’s and others turn up by police escort.”

Events like these are given life by sponsors, who love their community, and genuinely want to make a difference. This year’s event was sponsored by Thrive On Therapy, part of the Therapy Care Network founded by Andrew Zorzit. The local Occupational Therapy Clinic  is a fully registered NDIS provider, with down-to-earth, experienced, and mobile team of Occupational therapists (mental & physical), nutritionists, and counsellors. Google specialist Kayley Moon of Honey Digital, who made her clients over $7million last year alone, sponsored the International Women’s Day Charity Fundraiser for a second year in a row. Kayley also donated 2 laptops to The Sanctuary, which gives guests of the refuge a way to start study, support children at school, and attend to life admin tasks. Those laptops were gratefully received, there is always a demand for iPads, phones and laptops – items that tend to get broken or taken in DV situations. And the third sponsor, Magnus Health, founded by registered psychologist Shelley Jacks. Magnus Health is another NDIS registered business providing psychology and support, now at two locations, Beenleigh and their newly opened Robina office.

The generosity and support from local businesses didn’t stop there, we also had beautiful gift boxes, including flowers from Blossoms by the beach, for all our guests to take home, and over $5,200 worth of raffle prizes to be won.

Thank you to our incredible giftbox and raffle prize sponsors:

• Cafe Chieti
• Creating Mabel
• Ember and Ash Boutique
• Yen Body
• Australian Family Lawyers
• Savsant
• Mema Planning
• Mandala Cacao
• Statement Skin & Wellness
• Ridgeline Commercial Realty
• Mandala wellness Boutique
• The Bright Candle
• Briella Beautiful
• Taste of Graze
• Loz Life
• MonSneaks
• Emily Shine
• Heart In Care
• Conk & Co
• Francesca Moi
• Matryarch

A beautiful event also needs décor and entertainment, which the IWD Charity Fundraiser had in spades with special thanks to Emma from The Bright Candle Styling and Donna from Blossoms by the Beach, who volunteered their talents in support of The Sanctuary. I also hired the incredibly talented Celeste from Novasoma Photography, who I use for all of my photographed events, and recommend to my clients for branding and content shoots too. We had gorgeous light up letters ‘IWD’, which were hired from Light Of The Party. And the ever-popular photobooth from Good Vibes Co.

To me, the indication of a well-enjoyed event is when the guests don’t want to leave – which was the case again this year! Thank you to everyone who got dressed up and came along to support the day. There was such a mix of new and familiar faces, new connections were made, and lots of fun was had by all. I adore having and creating connections with such beautiful people who want to see our wider community flourish. If you haven’t picked it as yet, family and community are amongst my highest values, so I am thrilled to meet others who share those values. Thank you all for putting your trust in me and helping me pull off this massive event.

Just quickly, thank you to my Mum and Dad, who have heard nothing but IWD for months, came to help me set up and sold raffle tickets. I am particularly proud of them, only a couple of weeks ago Mum had a stroke, so having them both there yesterday was extra special for me. Thank you to Kate Morrow from The Romantics Weddings who helped me pull everything together with patience and grace. And thank you to my beautiful friends who turned up early and quickly lent a hand to finish setting up before the rest of the guests arrived.

Now for the big announcement from the event yesterday… Thanks to everyone’s big hearts and deep pockets, we have raised $4,075 for The Sanctuary Refuge!

I have spoken to Simone today, and she is absolutely thrilled. They are a privately funded refuge who rely entirely on donations and volunteers to make ends meet. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of Simone and the refuge. Your contributions make a real difference to the lives of many, most of whom you will never meet.

If you would like to donate directly to The Sanctuary at any time, this is the link. They are also always in need of old phones, iPads/tablets, and laptops, so please keep them in mind next time you upgrade.

Donations to The Sanctuary Refuge over $2 are tax deductible and can be made here: https://sanctuaryrefuge.com.au/support-us-2/