A mission to end homelessness in our local community
Homeless indicators are increasing between the two censuses of 2016 and 2023, according to Lucy Hohnen, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn, in his advocacy statement on 25 August 2023.
In Lucy’s statement, the homelessness situation in ACT is not favourable. There has been a decrease in social housing dwellings while 3059 households are on the waiting list and 89 days on average for vacant public house turning around. More commitment to end this crisis is required from every stakeholder.
For more than 12 years, Canberra Toyota has been a close partner with St Vincent de Paul Society trying to curb to homelessness in our community with the belief that "It’s time to end homelessness".
2016 National Tree Day
Marko Milic and Aranda Priamary School Students. Photo by Andrew Finch.
Tree Day - a chance to make a difference
National Tree Day is the largest tree-planting event in the country.
Organised by Planet Ark, it is celebrating its 21st birthday and 23 million trees planted nationally since it began.
National Tree Day Manager Debbie Agnew says it's an opportunity for people to make a difference in greening their local community and bringing back native wildlife.
Debbie says that thanks to the support of Canberra Toyota, there were 120 tree-planting sites last year in the ACT, involving 6500 people and resulting in 25,000 seedlings being planted.
Toyota Lends a Helping Hand
Canberra Toyota continued to demonstrate its commitment to a sustainable future by supporting the efforts of local students as part of Schools Tree Day on July 27.
A large mound of soil and dozens of native shrubs were donated by Canberra Toyota to the children at Latham Primary School, who spent the day eagerly digging, planting and learing about the importance of looking after the environment.
Dealer Principal Mirko Milic (pictured) said Canberra Toyota has been partnering with Planet Ark to support Tree Day for more than 10 years and the Dealership welcoms the opportunity to engage with local schools.
"It gives the Dealership a chance to become involved with local children who are the future of our local community, the children love to get involved with the planting and become very attached to the gardens that they create. This attachment encourages them to be looking out for their own school environment, which is what Tree Day aims to encourage."
Milic believes it is the responsibility of Canberra Toyota to support organisations like Plant Ark, because they could not undertake successful initiatives like Tree Day without corporate support.
"Canberra Toyota constantly looks for avenues to support the community that supports our business, one charter in our company mission is to become a better corporate citizen in the Canberra region, which is something that I am passionate about."
Vinnies CEO Sleepout
The Canberra Toyota management team have joined forces with CEO Mirko Milic for his 5th Sleep-out in Canberra! The team, aptly known as the Canberra Toyota ‘Caspers’ are hoping their combined efforts will exceed $15K in fundraising for the event!
The team is diverse and consists of finance, admin, IT, service, parts and sales managers with all team members (apart from Mirko) doing their very first sleep-out! Even car industry Icon, Robert Hush is lending a hand! Hushie has been a popular character of the car industry (some say legend) for over 30 years and reckons his presence alone will bring in the ‘big bucks’ from his many loyal supporters, friends, peers and customers from the local car industry!
Mirko is hoping the Canberra Toyota ‘Caspers’ will make the top 3 fundraisers for the 2016 Sleep-out and challenges all other Canberra Businesses to join his team for this awesome cause!
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Dealer Sleeps Rough for a Good Cause
Saturday, June 22, 2013 - On Thursday around 140 of Canberra's chief executive officers and bosses spent the night in Civic Square for the 2013 vinnies CEO sleepout.
The Sleepout was a huge success, raising more than $420,000 for the St Vincent de Paul Society's homeless services.
Canberra Toyota dealer principal Mirko Milic was one of the bosses who braved the cold to raise funds and awareness for homeless people in the ACT. Mr Milic and Canbera Toyota general manager Chris Mullins raised more than $4000 between them.
Most CEOs were allowed only cardboard and the cold ground as their bed for the night, but some other little luxuries were auctioned off to raise more funds on the night.
Mr Milic purchased the opportunity to "couch surf" for the night for $750, giving him a couch to sleep on as well as raising awareness of the fact that many young homeless people rely on couch surfing with friends and family just to get a roof over their heads.
Canberra Toyota also supplied a brand new Rav4 to be auctioned off as a slightly more comfortable sleeping place for the night, which went for the price of $1500.
Mr Milic said that he was very proud to be involved with St Vincent de Paul, and has always admired the work they do.
"St Vincent de Paul is our major charity partner and we have been involved with them now since 2011. We support the annual Doorknock appeal, CEO Sleepout and Monster Warehouse Sales," he said.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, Drive Memo