The Coates Foundation marks its third anniversary in November, celebrating a year of record volunteer engagement.
Since its launch in 2021, the foundation has clocked up more than 3000 volunteer hours and contributed more than $1.5 million to its charity partners and community organisations.
Reflecting on the past three years, Coates executive general manager for people and safety Elise Manns acknowledges the growing impact of the foundation.
“While our financial contributions are important, it’s truly heartening to see our teams volunteering their time and skills in record numbers – we’ve more than tripled our volunteer hours in the 2023–24 financial year,” Manns said.
“It’s clear that our people care deeply about helping those in need and are eager to contribute to the communities in which we live and work.”
Greg Steele, partnership manager at Mission Australia, one of the Coates Foundation’s national charity partners, also praised the contribution of Coates volunteers.
“Through our partnership with the Coates Foundation, we’ve come together as a unified team – working with shared purpose, respect and energy,” Steele said.
“We’ve accomplished so much more than just engaging volunteers and completing successful projects. Coates staff and their support have helped transform our sites and inspired lasting change. The impact of our collaboration will continue to benefit those we serve for years to come.”
In addition to Mission Australia, the Coates Foundation supports the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, TIACS, R U OK? and the Clontarf Foundation nationally. At a regional business unit (BU) level, it supports the Humpty Dumpty Foundation in the east, Seven Telethon in the west, TradeMutt in the north and Foodbank in the south.
To celebrate the third anniversary, Coates team members shared their experiences of supporting their local charity partners.
Equipping Humpty for the Burn
For over 30 years, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation has provided paediatric medical equipment to hospitals and healthcare services across Australia.
Grant Voysey, major account manager, has worked on the charity’s annual Balmoral Burn, a 420m run up Sydney’s steepest street, since it began in 2001, managing hire equipment donated by Coates.
“I can’t imagine a more rewarding charity to volunteer my time to,” Voysey said. “Being involved in the Burn all these years makes me feel proud to know that Coates is supporting the critical needs of our young children, supporting our doctors and nurses with the equipment they need to help their young patients, and easing the anguish of parents during their most stressful moments.”
Taking calls for Telethon
Telethon is an annual televised fundraising appeal in Western Australia, broadcast live for 26 hours. Over the past five decades, it has raised more than $600 million for sick and disadvantaged children.
Dylan Clayton, area manager – Belmont Hub, has co-led a team of Coates volunteers at Telethon since 2018.
“It has been a thoroughly rewarding experience to volunteer at Telethon,” Clayton said. “I feel fortunate to contribute towards the event’s success by helping to answer phones and process incoming donations. It’s a great event to be part of and a wonderful cause. I look forward to contributing for many years to come.”
Packing food for Foodbank
Foodbank is Australia’s largest food relief organisation, providing food and groceries to charities and school breakfast programs in every state and territory.
Rebecca Toomey, sales manager – south business unit, joined Coates in June. She volunteered at Foodbank Victoria a month later and can’t wait to do it again.
“Volunteering was an opportunity to give back in a tangible way, contributing directly to helping those in need,” Toomey said.
“It was humbling to see the scale of the Foodbank operation behind each meal packed and inspiring to be part of something bigger than myself. Knowing that even small acts, like packing a box or organising supplies, can significantly impact people’s lives is really rewarding. Having recently joined Coates, volunteering was also a great way to build team connections.”
On the tools for Mission Australia
Mission Australia provides homelessness services, social and affordable housing, and support for those with mental health issues, substance dependencies and disabilities.
Heidi Sundin, group manager – strategy, growth and customer experience, volunteered at Mission Australia’s Surry Hills centre in Sydney, which provides accommodation and support services to people experiencing homelessness.
“Our team spent a day building furniture and cleaning accommodation spaces,” Sundin said. “It was a privilege to meet the men who live there and to better understand the incredible work that Mission Australia does to support people who are at risk of homelessness.
“It was a meaningful way to bring our team together and we all bonded as we worked together assembling flatpack furniture.”
Building life skills with Clontarf
The Clontarf Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing the education and life prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
Steven Read, executive general manager for the south BU, accompanied a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from the Bairnsdale Clontarf Academy on a camping trip in Victoria’s High Country.
“I came away from the experience feeling proud of our partnership with Clontarf and reminded of the boys’ ongoing struggle against racism and discrimination,” Read said.
“It inspired me to reflect on how, as a leader, I can encourage others to get involved with Clontarf initiatives, volunteer at events, and support diversity and inclusion within our organisation and wider communities.”
