Philanthropy
www.accessnews.com.au
The Western Sydney Salvation Army Appeal launch at the Parramatta Parkroyal.
Change of guard for local Appeal As Rosemary inspires business community to help the Salvos DI BARTOK HEN business and community leaders were urged to “dig deep” into their pockets at a Parramatta lunch on April 30, that’s exactly what they
W
did. More than $52,000 was raised at the business community launch of the Western Sydney Red Shield Appeal held with a smaller crowd than usual at ParkRoyal Parramatta. Outgoing Chair of Western Sydney Business Appeal Committee Stephanie Dale said money was still rolling in so “who knows?” what the final figure will be. Ms Dale will step down from her position after six years, with former Parramatta Chamber of Commerce Schon Condon taking on the role. In her six years at the helm, about $1M has been raised for the Salvation Army. “I am very proud of that, and for the support of the business community,” Ms Dale told the Times. “I am sure that Schon will shine in the role.” At the lunch, the message from the Salvos was that “for every person you see homeless, there are 13 more that you don’t see”. Guest speaker was the inspirational Rosemary Kariuki, the Kenyan refugee turned saviour to women from diverse backgrounds. Rosemary was named Local Hero in the 2021 Australia Day awards for her work with migrant and refugee women. Her message of “get to know your neighbours” and check if they need help fits in with the Salvation Army ethos. “Happiness comes from helping other people”, Rosemary said. “Reach out to people who you feel might need help–in the workplace and in your neighbourhood.” Rosemary, who arrived in Australia in 1999 not knowing anyone, overcame her own loneliness by reaching out to other marginalised women. Along the way, she formed the African Women Group, which advocates to break down the social isolation many African women face. WSBA is a long-standing media partner of the Western Sydney Red Shield Appeal. Editor Michael Walls is a member of the Western Sydney Red Shield Appeal committee.
8
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS MAY 2021
