Building a Legacy of Giving: Philanthropy at Halcyon Communities

Raising and donating money to charities, volunteering time, or creating and donating goods for those who have an essential or non-essential need shape the philanthropic footprint within Halcyon Communities.

Home owners not only derive satisfaction from the knowledge that they are positively impacting individuals experiencing hardship, but they also find fulfillment by engaging in activities associated with charitable efforts, many of which align with their existing interests and hobbies.

One example of altruism comes from our B by Halcyon community with home owner Paul, an active member of the ‘Workshop’.

Paul sourced some century-old fence posts to create crystal wooden lamps which he then auctioned off at an onsite event. Funds raised at the event came to a total of $925 and were donated to Lily House, a registered charity that provides supported accommodation for women in crisis.

In another prime example of selflessness, Barb, who has called Halcyon Waters home for nearly 15 years is a philanthropy force to be reckoned with. Barb is often found at the helm of the annual Halcyon Waters Christmas Fair, an event that last year attracted over 300 people from both Halcyon Waters and Vision by Halcyon.  

Not only does the Christmas Fair sell handmade wares that Barb and her fellow stitchers and crafters make, but the money raised goes to help a multitude of charities including Ronald McDonald House, Mater Children’s Hospital, local nursing homes, and more.

Barb’s contribution includes the creation of beanies and blankets for sale plus coordination of a huge morning tea as a part of the event.

Knee blankets created by Halcyon Waters' Stitchers group.

“Barb gets subsidised or free flour for the scones by engaging with local suppliers. She then organises and is involved in baking all the scones which is a mammoth effort considering event attendance numbers,” said Bec Byrnes, Halcyon Waters Community Manager.

Barb has also crocheted poppies galore that adorn every pole at Halcyon Waters each Anzac Day. The poppy fairies as they are lovingly known, make sure each pole is decorated.

When asked why she does all these philanthropic activities, Barb said, “I’m not just a mum but I’m a grandma and a great grandma so being able to help the little ones is the best feeling.”

“The gratitude from the nurses and those that receive our things always gives you a bit of a boot on,” said Barb.

Community Manager, Bec is grateful to have pillars of exemplary community spirit like Barb, highlighting the critical and important work that they do.

“Giving is definitely a love language and the currency here at Halcyon Waters is banked,” said Bec.

One final example of community spirit comes from Halcyon Berwick where home owners chopped or coloured their locks at a community fundraiser to provide support for home owner’s, Janis and Steve.  

The event was inspired by Janis' and Steve’s young grandson who has been diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, one of the three most diagnosed cancers in young people in Australia.

Steve, Janis and their grandson, Cooper at the Halcyon Berwick fundraiser.

The event idea started with Halcyon Berwick's then Community Manager offering to shave his head in solidarity. It then evolved into a massive fundraising effort with home owners deciding to donate to The Kids’ Cancer Project, an organisation that funds vital scientific research to develop better treatments for all children with cancer. 

John Furness getting his head shaved to raise money for the fundraiser.

"Through a sausage sizzle, raffle, silent auction, and sponsorship for hair alterations they managed to raise over $15,000, surpassing the $1000 they initially aimed to raise,” said Jade Webber, Halcyon Evergreen Community Manager.

“The sponsorship for those shaving or colouring their hair garnered nearly $14,000 alone,” she said.

Community support from home owners and the Stockland Halcyon team at Halcyon Berwick was immense and this is just one of the many selfless acts of kindness that Stockland Halcyon home owners across Victoria and Queensland engage in on a regular basis, highlighting the true nature of people who choose to call Stockland Halcyon home.

Below are a fraction of individuals and charities that our Stockland Halcyon home owners support:

• Lily House
• Project Linus
• Multiple nursing homes
• Million Paws
• The Kids’ Cancer Project
• Local schools
• The Royal Flying Doctor’s Service
• DV Connect
• Individuals with personal struggles or illness
• Community at large
• CADA - Centre against Domestic Abuse
• Palliative Care
• Refugee Centre
• Bright Bags
• NDIS Homes
• Cancer Council
• March On Challenge
• Breast Cancer units in various hospitals.

Funky rainbow hair on a homeowner engaged in the fundraising efforts.

Halcyon Waters' Stitchers Group hard at work creating their donations.