Salvos honour REIWA with prestigious Others Award

REIWA President Damian Collins accepts Others Award from Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Brad Potter.
REIWA President Damian Collins accepts Others Award from Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Brad Potter.

The Salvation Army honoured the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia with its prestigious Others Award during the launch of the 2022 Red Shield Appeal at Optus Stadium on Wednesday 11 May.

The Salvos Others Award recognises an individual or organisation that exemplifies an extraordinary spirit of services to others not only through support of The Salvation Army but to the broader community as well.

The Award was bestowed to the Institute in recognition of its Community REInvest programs almost decade-long partnership with The Salvation Army.

Community REInvest brings WA real estate agents together to identify opportunities, mobilise resources and support the people of WA, particularly those experiencing homelessness.

Since 2013, REIWAs Community REInvest program has donated more than $1 million to the Salvos, providing:

  • Thousands of wholesome and hearty meals each year for those experiencing homelessness via the community breakfast and lunch programs.
  • Hundreds of sleeping bags and blankets for the Winter Appeal and thousands of gift donations for the Christmas Appeal, every year.
  • Emergency accommodation and case management to Western Australians residing at The Beacon who were experiencing homelessness.
  • A bond bank fund to assist women and children residing at Graceville Centre (family and domestic violence refuge) to re-establish themselves in housing.
  • A tenancy training program to assist clients of The Beacon to exit positively into the community and maintain a tenancy.

REIWA CEO Cath Hart said the Institute was delighted to be honoured with the Others Award for the contributions of its philanthropic Community REInvest program.

We know better than anyone how important it is to have a roof over your head and a safe place to call home, which is why the decision was made to partner with The Salvation Army nearly a decade ago.

The work the Salvos do in the community cannot be understated and we feel privileged to be able to assist them on their mission to reduce homelessness in our community.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the 80 member agencies who sponsor the Community REInvest program directly for their support and generosity. We are incredibly proud that the real estate industry supports the Salvos in such a meaningful way, Ms Hart said.

Salvation Army WA Public Relations Secretary Warren Palmer said the Others was a unique award and that today’s announcement marked only the second time it had been bestowed in WA.

This is the highest award that can be presented to an organisation acknowledging an outstanding contribution to The Salvation Army work in partnership.

It is an indication and acknowledgement of a selfless commitment to integrating and connecting a community heart into business and The Salvation Army is proud to recognise these highest of characteristics.

We are so very grateful to REIWA for believing with us that all deserve a place to call home and we look forward to many more years of partnership to come,” Mr Palmer said.

This is the first time the Others Award has been bestowed since 2018.

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