Corporate News

The Villawood Foundation has donated $250K to the youth-powered Reach Foundation to provide young Australians a better start in life.

A handover event at Reach’s Jolimont headquarters saw Foundation Ambassador Jacqui Felgate announce the grant together Reach chairman Fergus Watts and Villawood Executive Director Rory Costelloe.

Close to 100 partners and friends of Villawood and Reach heard of the work undertaken by Reach first-hand from youth workshop facilitator Josh Robinson in a compelling account of engaging with troubled teens.

Led by young people aged 15 to 24, Reach is a hands-on support base for thousands coming to grips with life’s challenges while trying to reach their potential.

The contribution will go to Reach’s Crew Training Program, empowering young people in their mental health and personal development.

Villawood’s support will enable young people to embark on a year-long and fully funded journey of growth and leadership. These young people will go on to design and deliver the workshops that impact more than 45,000 of their peers every year.

The philanthropic arm of developer Villawood Properties is giving the money as part of its community-focussed give-back philosophy.

Villawood’s Rory Costelloe says corporates have a responsibility to help enhance the future of young people where they could.

“Our youth is our future and we’re already working with numerous community groups, including some very targeted youth help programs, to bolster the community’s strength across the board,” he says.

 “Reach is a great vehicle for helping do this. Its youth-led workshops are 100 per cent led by young people. This brings a real honesty and great connectivity to its programs.”

In a similar vein, the Villawood Foundation also assists Geelong Youth Engagement, which helps teens via, among other things, challenging treks across New Guinea’s rugged Kokoda Track.

Rory says Reach’s camps, school workshops and community programs make it a seriously effective player in youth development.

And Villawood’s business of building new suburbs and neighbourhoods made investing in Reach’s youth-focussed activities an important part of sustainable community-building.

“You can’t just build houses and streets these days, you need to help with community infrastructure and engagement. And you need to support the families and kids living in your communities and help bring out their best,” he says.

“Reach is very, very good on this front so we’re delighted to be able to help.”

Watch the Villawood Foundation x Reach Foundation event recap here.