As 2022 came to an end, our teams at Synchro Partners and the broader Slade Group partnered together to help raise the profile of Christmas on the Streets (COTS), a charity that I have been privileged to be a part of for the last three years.

COTS has been at the forefront of supporting those in need and helping tackle one of Australia’s most prominent crises – people who experience homelessness in Melbourne, and across the country. The movement strives towards breaking the stigma surrounding those who have found themselves in unfortunate circumstances and reminds them when they encounter one of our volunteers that they are unconditionally loved, important and worthy.

For the last six years, the team at COTS has run weekly street runs and annual Christmas Day BBQ events, offering companionship, food, clothing, sanitary products, gifts and essential items to individuals and communities that are in need.

Being proud to take part in such great initiatives in the past, a week prior to Christmas day I invited my close friend and COTS founder Roseanne Rofaeel, alongside with her sister Rihan Rofaeel, to join our Group for an enlightening and informative talk about the movement.

As a result, our team organised a companywide fundraiser to support the charity, which included a donation box comprising a wide variety of items in need (such as sanitation packs, clothes and food), as well as making financial donations.

On Christmas Day I spent time with COTS and experienced first-hand the joy that the organisation can bring to those less fortunate. Thanks again to Rose and Rihan for sharing their great insights and strong passion for making such significant change to so many lives.

If you would like to help in any way, please reach out in the comments. You can also message me or Rose on LinkedIn. For more information about COTS and how you can get involved, visit their website at christmasonthestreets.com.

Wishing you all a safe and blessed 2023!