IRT Foundation’s ‘Neverland’ Needs Your Support

IRT Group's IRT Foundation recently launched its annual Neverland Ball fundraising campaign to raise awareness of the issues facing older Australians and support older people in need.

The three month campaign will culminate with a masquerade Neverland Ball at UOW’s University Hall on Friday 1 September. IRT Group Chief Executive, Nieves Murray said the Neverland Ball provides an opportunity for the Illawarra community to join IRT in improving the lives of vulnerable older Australians.

“IRT was founded right here in the Illawarra almost 50 years ago,” she said. “Our founders wanted to provide seniors with better choices in housing and care, and to help people in need.
“They made a commitment that as a community-owned organisation we would improve the lives of vulnerable older Australians.

“It’s a commitment we hold true to today. By choosing IRT, our customers are helping to house, care for and enrich the lives of older people in need.

“Over the next three months we’ll be asking members of the Illawarra community to choose to support IRT Foundation by making a donation, bidding on our online auctions, or buying a ticket to our fantastic Neverland Ball.”

Eleven local businesses have already come on board, with the Cancer Council NSW, CMG Audio Visual, Edmiston Jones GBB, Maguire & McInerney Lawyers, ANZ Bank, GSA Insurance Brokers and MMJ Wollongong signing up as corporate partners, the Illawarra Mercury and the WIN Network as media partners, and Go Hire and Tyrrell’s Wines as event partners.

Ms Murray said IRT Foundation envisions a ‘Neverland’ where older Australians are empowered to live free from disadvantage. A third of IRT’s profits are given back to the community to achieve this vision, but more funding is needed to support vital outreach programs.

“In the last two years we’ve raised about $40,000 in funding support through our Neverland Ball,” Ms Murray said.

“Every cent of that money has been invested in Foundation programs, including Community Grants, Research Grants, Career Check Up Expos for Mature Age Workers, the Age-Friendly Illawarra Alliance and education and advocacy events.

“Moving forward we’re going to target our funding support to initiatives that provide essential housing, care and social support to older people in need.

“Last year we provided 50 seniors who were sleeping rough or at risk of becoming homeless with safe, secure housing.

“With the Illawarra community’s support, we can do so much more.”

This year's event will be held on Friday 1 September, commencing at 6pm at the University of Wollongong's Uni Hall. Dress is black tie - please don't forget your mask!
Get your tickets now - www.irtfoundation.org.au/neverland

Find out more about IRT Group.