Oaks leaders show up for disadvantaged Indigenous families with charity day to repair homes

The leadership team at Oaks Hotels picked up tools this NAIDOC week to repair homes for disadvantaged Indigenous families as part of its partnership with global not-for-profit housing provider Habitat for Humanity Australia.

The Brush with Kindness volunteer day saw the team get stuck into renovations, landscaping, minor house repairs and gardening activities at a site in Brisbane.

“This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is Get up, Stand up, Show up, so we were excited to take part in such a meaningful activity which will instantly make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged Indigenous Australians, including those living in crisis accommodation,” said Minor Hotels’ Head of Commercial, John Thompson.

Habitat for Humanity Australia Strategic Partnerships Manager, Melinda King, thanked the team for their efforts.

“We would like to thank the energetic group from Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites for their positive approach and willingness to mobilise to refurbish housing, crisis accommodation and transitional shelters for Indigenous women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness,” she said.

“We are grateful for corporate support for our Brush with Kindness volunteering program and look forward to many more opportunities to work together in the future.”

It was the first hands-on activity for the Oaks team since launching the charity partnership with Habitat for Humanity Australia and Habitat for Humanity New Zealand in February.

Through this partnership Oaks provides financial fundraising to fund building programs across Australia and New Zealand by inviting guests to add $1 to the cost of their booking or by donating funds via hotel reception donation terminals, and matching each dollar donated.

“As an accommodation provider, we see a strong synergy between the Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites brand and Habitat for Humanity Australia and Habitat for Humanity New Zealand, which is committed to building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter, and we look forward to getting involved with future projects as our partnership progresses,” Thompson said.