Monday, November 17, 2014
SANTOS ROLLS UP SLEEVES TO SUPPORT HOMELESS
How many engineers does it take to fit a light bulb? Make a bed? Sweep an apartment?
We’ll let you know this afternoon when a group of Santos staff join a working bee to help prepare Common Ground Adelaide’s new city development for tenancy.
The seven-storey building in Mellor Street will provide much needed affordable, safe and stable city accommodation - combined with on-site support - for those on low incomes and those at risk of homelessness. In a first for Common Ground, the development will comprise 13 two-bedroom apartments providing homes for single parents with children.
The $15.5 million building included Government investment exceeding $8 million – including more than $6 million in Commonwealth funding and $2 million from the State Government.
Common Ground Chief Executive Maria Palumbo said with capital works now complete, it was time to ensure the apartments were ready for tenants to move into before Christmas.
“For those who are most disadvantaged, including those who are coming from homelessness, we have – thanks to Santos and LeCornu –been able to provide some furniture along with crockery, cutlery and some other essentials,” Ms Palumbo said.
“We are so grateful for the support we have received to buy these items combined with the goodwill to get the apartments ready for residents. This will mean a lot to some of our tenants in the highest need – a number of young mums with babies who otherwise would have been without these basics.
“Staff want to work for an employer that is doing good and seen to be doing good – and we have no shortage of generous, compassionate companies and individuals in South Australia.”
Santos staff from the company’s international drilling team will be joined by Common Ground staff, some National Australia Bank employees and a couple of dedicated supporters as they unpack crockery, cutlery, make up beds and clean apartments.
Santos’ Manager of Community and Corporate Responsibility Beth MacDonald said volunteering provided staff the opportunity to get a real insight into homelessness - and the positive difference Common Ground is making to the community.
“Santos is Common Ground Adelaide’s foundation sponsor, contributing $3 million and volunteering support to help establish their operations in South Australia,” Ms MacDonald said.
“We are incredibly proud to be able to play a role in helping South Australians into safe, affordable and stable housing.”
Nicole Connelly, Executive Assistant with Santos’ International Drilling Team, said staff “jumped” at the chance to be part of the working bee.
“Each year, as a team, we volunteer our time to support a special cause,” Ms Connelly said. “It’s great to be able to roll up our sleeves and quite literally get our hands dirty.
“You really feel you are making a difference. Everyone really enjoys it.”
MORE INFORMATION: Contact Danielle Gordon on 0401 696 853.
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COMMON GROUND ADELAIDE LTD:
:Head Office79 Light Square, Adelaide, SA 5000:Ph8205 1600
ABN 21 122 807 130:91 Franklin Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
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