Dear ,

As we count down to the end of 2020, I am sure that many of us will be reflecting on a year that we could not have imagined at the same time last year. There have been challenges faced by everyone and particularly those individuals and families who are vulnerable in our community.

This year has also shown the power of a network of people driven by values and seeking to make a difference in the world.

As we reflect back on the wins, challenges and lessons of the past 12 months, we want to thank you for being part of our valuable philanthropic community

While it’s been a year of highs and lows, incredible things still managed to happen; including raising over $120,000 for Black Summer bush fire affected communities and $300,000 for the WA Relief & Recovery Fund: COVID19 along with record granting of $750,000, thanks to our donors, to a wide range of Not-for-Profit organisations providing essential services to our community.

The timeline for 2020 began in January, when we were invited to the Fremantle Town Hall to join a conversation around supporting communities outside of Fremantle, that had been impacted by the Black Summer Bushfires.

As a result of this meeting, and in partnership with the Fremantle community and the City of Fremantle, $120,000 was raised in 2 months. These funds were then distributed across WA and interstate to 13 organisations to support those communities in need.

In March, COVID19 descended and within the first few weeks we were inundated with over half a million dollars’ worth of requests for funding from local NFP’s. The Fremantle Foundation quickly responded by creating the WA Relief and Recovery Fund: COVID-19, This campaign focussed on providing food, housing, social support and health services for those experiencing homelessness, support for Indigenous Australian organisations protecting their elders and caring for their community, families on low-incomes, seniors, and those heavily reliant on sectors such as the arts, who face increased struggles because of reduced or lost income.

The WA Relief & Recovery Fund attracted over $300,000 worth of donations in six months, this was made possible due to the support of our generous donors along with the Paul Ramsay Foundation and the Fremantle Ports, who have all contributed to the WA Relief & Recovery Fund.

In November, we were delighted to have once again reached our goal of collectively raising $115,000 dollars for our Impact100 winners. With Australian Dental Health being awarded $100,000 and finalists Connected By, On My Feet and Fremantle Mind all receiving $5000 each.

It’s been an incredible year, but the recent NFP Landscape report conducted by UWA, highlights the big increase in people in WA who have lost their jobs and businesses during COVID19. They need help and the demand for services will remain high and beyond current capacity while our economy recuperates.

As we reflect on the past 12 months, the unwavering generosity and support from our giving community stands out as a real highlight.

If you would like to make a donation to your fund please email us or click here to donate to the Fremantle Foundation Vital Fund.

Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season. You are all amazing – thank you for caring about the community we live in.

Our office will be open again on Monday 4th January, we look forward to seeing you in 2021!

Best wishes

Sue Stepatschuk & Brooke Aslett