Recognising a lifelong commitment to philanthropy

Earlier this month Sacred Heart Mission presented its inaugural Lifelong Ambassador Award to several philanthropists who have steadfastly supported SHM over many years. The awards were presented at an intimate celebration where we were able to acknowledge the pivotal role they have played in growth and impact. 

The recipients of this award included Paula Fox AO and Lindsay Fox AC, Gerry Ryan OAM and Val Ryan, Peter White OAM and Lyndy White and Derek Young AM and Caroline Young. 

“We wanted to recognise people whose steadfast support and generosity has underpinned Sacred Heart Mission’s work for many years. Our Lifelong Ambassadors have shown genuine leadership in philanthropy – by backing smart, community-led solutions to homelessness and making them scalable and sustainable.” Says Sacred Heart Mission CEO Hang VO. 

Each Lifelong Ambassador was recognised for their connection and contribution to Sacred Heart Mission and were presented with a stain glass artwork designed by a Sacred Heart Mission participant. 

For Paula and Lindsey Fox their connection to Sacred Heart Mission goes back many years. They first danced together as teenagers in the church hall that would eventually become SHM’s Dining Hall. Those memories inspired them to support its redevelopment in 2013 alongside Gerry and Val Ryan.  

The Ryan’s came to the rescue in 2023 when the Dining Hall air conditioning system stopped working over Christmas. They covered the cost of the new system that now provides relief from summer heat and winter cold for participants attending breakfast and lunch. 

Our Lifelong Ambassadors have been alongside us for every step of this journey. They have supported us in refurbishing facilities like the Dining Hall and fundraising Millions of dollars for supporting various campaigns including Campus of Care, which saw to the redevelopment of the Women’s House. 

They have also provided vital funding towards our programs. Peter and Lyndy White provided funding for the SHM Foundation in 2009 which has gone on to generate more than $3 million for our programs. Among their many contributions was a three-year funding commitment to the Journey to Social Inclusion program pilot. J2SI has since grown into a statewide program, with a 90% success rate in enabling people to find and remain in safe homes.   

Donating property to be used by SHM participants is one of the other ways our Lifelong Ambassadors have provided essential support to SHM.  

Derek and Caroline Young have been supporters of Sacred Heart Mission since 2005. They donated apartments that are now used as women’s crisis accommodation, while at the same time donating monthly from their Orcadia Foundation to support women who need rental assistance while they get back on their feet. Derek has also generously donated towards new aged care and independent living facilities for people who have experienced long-term homelessness.  

“Sacred Heart Mission has grown from a small social justice initiative into a thriving, evidence-based organisation providing safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces and a wide range of services to hundreds of people each year” says Hang.  

It is thanks to the generosity of supporters like Paula Fox AO and Lindsay Fox AC, Gerry Ryan OAM and Val Ryan, Peter White OAM and Lyndy White and Derek Young AM and Caroline Young that Sacred Heart Mission has been able to continue to support and provided modern services to those most in need.