Supporting the families and carers of kids living with disabilities
Westfield Australia’s Community Program has continued to grow since its establishment in 2008. With a mandate to support children living with disabilities, and their families and carers, the program now supports more than 30 charities Australia-wide and runs many more initiatives which bring the program to life. The program directs funds for therapy, equipment, respite programs that provide time out for families/carers, early intervention programs to deliver early diagnosis and treatment to young children and programs to inform and educate families and the community.
During 2012 more than $1.06 million was provided to charities through the Community Program and more than $5 million since its inception.
In 2012 Westfield Australia was granted fund raising licences for Westfield Charities Fund (WCF) – the entity that was established the previous year with a trustee, Westfield Charity Limited (WCL). These licenses allowed for fundraising activity to officially commence during the year, under WCL as trustee for WCF. All funds raised through WCF are given to charity beneficiaries.
Giveability is the major fundraising campaign of the Community Program.
Each Westfield centre and head office division has partnered with a local children’s disability service provider, allowing shoppers, retailers and staff to provide support that directly impacts local children and families. The numerous initiatives encompassed in each of these partnerships have allowed Westfield Australia to achieve the triple objective of engaging employees, driving community partnerships and driving fundraising.
Just one example is the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Spring Summer Fashion Parade hosted by Westfield centres in Canberra. The partnership, which has been in place since 2011, saw Westfield host a sold out parade featuring fashion from Westfield retailers as well as a number of additional events including a pop-up style lounge and ‘body bar’ where shoppers could get massages and other treatments. In 2012 the event raised almost $30,000 for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, with the partnership and event now firmly established on the local calendar of activities.
