PERTH: Perfectly coinciding with International Day of Charity (Tuesday 5 September), Western Australia’s home of live entertainment, RAC Arena, is thrilled to announce their community partners for 2023 to 2025. Following an internal staff survey, Telethon, West Australian Music (WAM) and Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre will join the Arena’s existing long-time community partners, The Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House Charities WA, Lifeline WA, Autism Association of WA and Polly Farmer Foundation.
In operation since the venue’s 2012 opening, RAC Arena’s community partner program has donated more than $1.5 million to their chosen charity partners. Staff are actively encouraged and routinely given the opportunity to give back and support in a many number of ways, ranging from volunteering their time to assist in a call centre and participating in special events, to donating plasma or making meals for patients.
RAC Arena general manager Michael Scott said, “Giving back to the communities in which we operate is one of the core values at ASM Global. I know I speak on behalf of the whole team when I say this initiative means a lot to all of us here at RAC Arena, and we are so proud to support our partners’ while they serve the people of WA.”
The arena’s partnership manager, Emma Toovey added, “We are so pleased to have Telethon, West Australian Music (WAM) and Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre, join our program and of course welcome back our long-term community partners. I look forward to working closely with these inspirational organisations and seeing what amazing things we can achieve together.”
In addition to gifting funds, RAC Arena has donated thousands of event tickets and prizes for auctions, hosted events, supported with complimentary hire of function rooms, and purchased tickets to partner events. Staff have enjoyed volunteering – preparing and packing meals, donating blood and participating in fundraising events like Movember and charity walks.
Excited about the announcement, Telethon’s general manager, Mark McCrory explains “RAC Arena and Telethon share the same passion for creating better and brighter futures for West Australians. Telethon supports 107 beneficiary charities and has been the heartbeat of the WA community for over 55 years. In 2023 we are thrilled to partner with RAC Arena as a Community Partner and as a Venue Partner for Telethon 2023 (21 & 22 October). This partnership is invaluable, and together we can continue to support our West Australian community.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities, CEO, Peter King, adds, “When a child is sick, it impacts the whole family. That’s why at Ronald McDonald House Charities WA, we are there for families when they need it most. We create programs and deliver services for families that positively impact their health and wellbeing. We are truly grateful for RAC Arena’s support of our families in provision of extraordinary experiences.”
In 2022, RAC Arena’s annual Golden Ticket Raffle raised $57,000 for The Salvation Army, providing crisis accommodation for 192 Western Australians currently impacted by homelessness, as well as 1,000 nutritious meals and 400 Christmas hampers for families struggling through the cost-of-living crisis. The 2023 Golden Ticket Raffle will be announced in coming months.
