Capital Bluestone has donated $25,000 to the Sutherland Shire Family Services (SSFS) organisation, who deliver much needed support, programs and care to local families affected by domestic violence. When introduced to the organisation and its CEO Dianne Manns by local Mayor Kent Johns, Ben Fairfax Managing Director of Capital Bluestone took immediate action.
“ I was unaware of the number of families within our local area that were dealing with domestic violence related issues and was shocked at the prevalence of ongoing issues faced by children from these families as their lives progress. There was a clear risk issue at hand for some 35 local families on a waiting list, and understanding the incredible work and support provided by the Sutherland Shire Family Services, we immediately committed our support from every angle.”
In some capacity the SSFS are working with approximately 165 families at any one time, sadly a high majority of these have been impacted by domestic and family violence. The SSFS work very closely with NSW Police in the Sutherland Shire through a range of programs. In the 2014/2015 period the police attended some 2500 Domestic related incidents.
Sutherland Shire Council hosted a fund raiser last week at Hazlehurst Gallery in Gymea. Attended by a range of local businesses and people connected to the SSFS, the event was an opportunity to further raise awareness on the issues being faced locally by so many families and encourage the community to get involved.
Ben Fairfax was asked by the SSFS to speak on the night and request other local businesses and organisations, like Capital Bluestone to help raise funds and awareness. The donation, among other very generous donations including a $20,000 commitment from Sutherland Shire Local Council has meant that a new case worker is able to be employed to help manage the large numbers of families in need of support and guidance.
Capital Bluestone will be working together with Cronulla Sharks and Sutherland Shire Council to host an event for SSFS in the new year. This event demonstrates our ongoing commitment at Woolooware Bay to community and providing help to those in the community that need it most.
