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September 11, 2024 | IN Media Release and News, News | BY AVID | 3 min read

AVID Property Group (AVID) has added to its ongoing volunteering efforts clocking up 180 hours of combined volunteering for the Property Industry Foundation’s affiliate charity the Early Bird Café over the past year.

This mammoth volunteering effort from AVID staff has formed just one part of organisation’s calendar of fundraising initiatives for its charity partner the Property Industry Foundation and its vital charity affiliates – like the Café.

AVID CEO Cameron Holt spoke recently about the importance of supporting frontline organisations that align with AVID’s own values.

“AVID actively seeks ways to make a tangible difference and is proud to continue our support of the Property Industry Foundation, doing what we can to make a meaningful contribution as a developer,” Mr Holt said.

The Property Industry Foundation strives to build homes and provide ongoing support for Australian youth experiencing homelessness and disadvantage, working alongside partner charities like the Early Bird Café to make a difference across the country.

With AVID’s Sydney team located close to the Early Bird Café’s headquarters, it was a natural decision to lend support and funding to the organisation which provides warm breakfasts to the city’s disadvantaged people.

Fifteen AVID staff members volunteer at the Café on a roster system each month helping to prepare the meals, set up, and serve customers, kicking off their mornings at 6am.

Many of AVID’s staff volunteers, including AVID General Manager People and Culture Colette O’Reilly, often speak about the importance of engaging with the customers, not just serving the food.

“To witness the consideration and care displayed by the Café customers to each other given the circumstances many of them face day-to-day certainly reminds me of the importance of kindness,” Ms O’Reilly said.

“The gratitude shown to us by the people we’ve served and their willingness to help us as we open up for service – setting up the bins or picking up the rubbish has been humbling.

“Every member of our staff who has volunteered has commented on how they have gained positively from the experience.”

AVID’s builder arm, Villaworld Homes, is headquartered on the Gold Coast, Queensland and although unable to volunteer the team’s time, has also shown its support to the Café donating $1,260 for the important charity.
AVID’s involvement with the Property Industry Foundation and its affiliate charities involves a range of fundraising and volunteering activities each year including the Pedal for Homeless Youth, worker bees, Hard Hat Days, and Charity Regattas.

Since partnering with the Foundation in 2022, AVID have participated in 25 events, raising over $169,000 and supporting the development of 64 bedrooms for homeless and disadvantaged youth.