Trees of Hope 2023

Cronulla RSL ‘Trees of Hope’ Campaign has returned to Cronulla RSL, in a bid to raise awareness for local community groups.

11 local not-for-profit organisations have been invited to decorate a Christmas Tree, which will be displayed in the club foyer. Members, guests, staff & board will vote for their favourite tree, with the most popular trees winning a share of over $4,000.

Representatives from the organisations were encouraged to adorn their tree with ornaments that reflects the services and assistance they give to residents in the Sutherland Shire.

‘Trees of Hope’ has been brightening up Cronulla RSL during the festive season since 2016. Club CEO Sue McNeill says the campaign raises awareness for the wonderful work undertaken by these organisations. ‘Cronulla has an amazing and diverse community. Trees of Hope is a great chance for charities to gain exposure to our members during the Christmas season.’ McNeill said.

This year the following organisations will be participating in Trees of Hope:

  • Cronulla Community Cafe: The Cronulla Community Cafe support people in need, by providing a no-cost food service.

  • Dandelion Support Network Inc: A grassroots not-for-profit that supports children and families in need.

  • Hopefield: Hopefield's purpose is to serve those in our community experiencing poverty, disadvantage, distress or isolation.

  • Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation: Delivering services to young people impacted by family mental illness with the aim of empowering them to build resilience, lifelong knowledge and abilities so they can reach their potential.

  • Learning Links: Learning Links works in collaboration with schools, early childhood settings and parents to help children with learning disabilities and difficulties.

  • Sailability Cronulla: Sailability help the elderly, the financially/ socially disadvantaged as well as people with physical challenges get access to sailing.

  • Endeavour SKWAD: Students in Support Units in mainstream schools receive no effective funding for specialised programs and resources. SKWAD fundraises to address this deficiency.

  • Stellar Experiences: Empowering Independence. Inspiring Inclusion. Through supported social outings, travel & individual experiences

  • Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter: The shelter houses dogs and cats that have been abandoned, found stray, surrendered or have been seized. If animals cannot be returned to their owners, the shelter seeks new homes for them.

  • Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch: A dedicated group of veterans and their supporters, united in our commitment to serving those who have served our nation. We provide essential support services to veterans and their families.

  • Surfers Rescue 24/7: Surfers Rescue 24/7 is a free board rescue and CPR course available for all surfers and recreational water users in NSW. An initiative of Surfing NSW.

The Club’s Community Projects Manager, Natalie Hawkins, says ‘ the program is a fantastic way to educate our members & guests about the fantastic services that these groups provide to our community’.

“One great story, is how two cats who had been at the Sutherland Shire Animal Shelter for 12 months, found a new home after a lady visiting for lunch was really touched by the animal shelters tree. She was unaware of the animal shelter and the volume of animals needing to be adopted, and made a trip to the shelter the next day" said Natalie.

'We have, also seen some great collaborations between the organisations, that have come about by connecting organisations on decoration or presentation day’. One example, is the Community Cafe assisting Hopefield in finding a new location for their hub in Cronulla, or Sailability working with Stellar Experiences to provide their guests with a sailing experience” Natalie said.

This year, members & guests who vote also have a chance to win a Cronulla RSL restaurant voucher.

To view & vote for their favourite tree, members of the community will need to visit Cronulla RSL between 9th November - 21st December. For more information, visit the Trees of Hope webpage www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/treesofhope.

Cronulla RSL is getting in the Christmas spirit, inviting local organisations to decorate a Christmas Tree.

Trees Of HopeNatalie HawkinsClub News