Property Industry Foundation campaign to fund homeless youth

The Property Industry Foundation (PIF) is once again raising money through its National Hard Hat Day campaign to benefit homeless youth.

The National Hard Hat Day campaign is the property and construction industry’s workplace-giving program that asks people to donate an hour or more of their pay to help fund building projects and youth counsellors supporting young people at risk.

“Every night over 36,000 young people across Australia are homeless, living on streets and in parks without adequate shelter or basic facilities. By gathering the support of the industry we can help provide the vital funds these charities need,” said Rosemary Smithson, national CEO of PIF. “Homelessness among young people in Australia is a growing issue and with the unstable economic environment comes increasing unemployment. They need our support now more than ever.”

The foundation aims to raise $300,000 in New South Wales and Victoria by the end of July for various charities, which will go to projects for Uniting Care Burnside in Dubbo (NSW), Mission Australia in Wagga Wagga (NSW), Salvation Army Youth Link in Western Sydney and the Lighthouse Foundation in Victoria.

Since 2001, National Hard Hat Day has been one of PIF’s major annual fundraising activities. It enables everyone across the industry to participate through payroll deduction or through office or site events and competitions. Employers often match staff donations dollar for dollar.

Last year’s National Hard Hat Day helped raise more than $320,000 for a range of charity projects including Open Family Australia, PCYC and Lighthouse Foundation.

For more information or to donate visit www.pif.com.au