More than 140 vulnerable young Australians have in the last year been gifted much-needed support of resources such as laptops, equipment and driving lessons to support their education or employment pathways.
The gifts – each worth up to $1000 – were made available via the AFG Independence Fund – available to residents of Foyers throughout Australia.
Foyers are integrated learning and accommodation settings for young people, typically aged 16-24 years, who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
AFG is now calling on its brokers to consider donating to the fund, to provide further help to these Australians.
The most recent and successful round of the AFG Independence Fund attracted a record 57 applications with each applicant successfully receiving funds as part of the $18,500 available for distribution.
The gifts included 13 laptops/course fees, and 16 driving lesson packages. Other gifts comprised tools, uniforms for work and gym subsidies to support health.
For those transitioning to full independence, some applications were used for household and kitchen goods, which are necessary as they move out of the Foyer and into their own private rental.
Foyer Foundation Chief Executive Officer Liz Cameron-Smith said these gifts are a small contribution that have a big impact in the life of a young person as they transition to independence.
There are many things a young person needs to achieve independence that are easy to take for granted – students need course fees covered and laptops to support study, apprentices need tools and safety clothing, and many need everyday items like bedding and household appliances to set themselves up for an independent life.
Liz Cameron-Smith
Australia’s largest mortgage aggregator AFG works in partnership with the national charity Foyer Foundation addressing youth homelessness via the growth and development of the Australian Foyer moment.
Earlier this year AFG announced it would provide $600,000 over the next three years to the Foyer Foundation – building on its initial $200,000 sponsorship in 2021 ($800,000 total committed).
The AFG Independence Fund was developed as part of that sponsorship, and brokers can help make a difference through their own tax-deductible donations by clicking here.
AFG Head of Sales and Distribution Chris Slater urged brokers to support this important cause – saying their contributions could make a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of these young people.
It is important to have the right resources to pursue education or work, and these are often not easy for Foyer young people to access without the right support
Chris Slater
“AFG is therefore proud to be able to be able to make these resources a reality for those who need them, giving them a much-needed boost in their study or careers. We urge brokers who are looking to give back to the community to join us in making a meaningful difference.”
Mr Slater said as a major player in the Australian mortgage broking industry, AFG recognised the importance of a place to call home when pursuing meaningful education and employment.
“We operate in an industry where access to safe and secure housing seems the norm. But that is not always the case, and we have a responsibility to help remove some of the obstacles for those young people who may be facing disadvantage,” he said.
Ms Cameron-Smith said the call for donations by AFG would help make a big difference to the lives of young people residing in Foyers.
“AFG has pioneered a new model of direct support for young people living in Foyers that we are thrilled to expand via AFG’s network of mortgage brokers and lenders,” she said.
“Every extra dollar into the AFG Independence Fund goes directly to a young person working hard to overcome challenging life experiences and unlock the bright, independent futures they deserve.”
