The Hotels Have Hearts Gala Dinner will return to Sydney next week, after a six-year hiatus, with the hopes of breaking through the mark of $5m raised to help the increasing number of Australians impacted by homelessness.
Hotels Have Hearts is a collective of hoteliers from across New South Wales who are committed to aiding the valuable work of the St Vincent de Paul Society and addressing homelessness on the streets of Sydney.
This gala dinner is one of the premier hospitality industry fundraising events, which will be held at Sydney’s Hilton Hotel and is supported by the Australian Hotels Association.
Hotels Have Hearts Chairman Kim Maloney OAM said: “Homelessness can affect anyone – young and old, male and female, privileged and disadvantaged. The NSW hotel industry cares deeply about the plight of these people and the true spirit of hospitality will be showcased at the Hotels Have Hearts Gala Dinner.”
The last Gala Dinner was held in 2018 and raised a record $750,000, taking total funds raised since its inception past $4.5m. Hotels Have Hearts is confident of setting a new record this year, which would take the total amount raised beyond $5m.
According to the latest census, more than 122,000 people are reported to be homeless, with NSW accounting for the most of any state or territory. Recent data from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare shows there has been a significant increase in unassisted requests for assistance over the last three years in NSW. Meanwhile, hundreds of Australians experiencing homelessness are dying prematurely in the nationwide crisis.
Past proceeds have contributed to significant improvements to Vinnies’ Matthew Talbot Hostel, including medical equipment, a computer laboratory and art studio. Assistance has also gone toward refurbishing a recreation and garden space at Vincentian House, an inner-city Vinnies service for women and families experiencing homelessness.
Details on how you can attend are on the Hotels Have Hearts website.