Our Community
At Russells, we are committed to making a genuine contribution to the community in a direct and positive way.
That’s why we support a number of not-for-profit organisations:
- VCFS Foundation of Queensland
- Surf Life Saving Australia
- Evolve
- Leukemia Foundation
Our staff conduct weekly fundraising events for these organisations, and the firm makes substantial donations according to a regular and planned giving program.
We also support and participate actively in their fundraising events.
VCFS Foundation of Queensland
Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome (VCFS) is a rare, genetic condition, caused by a missing piece of genetic information on the long arm of chromosome 22.
Researchers estimate that one in 3000–4000 babies are affected – and this rate is constantly being reviewed.
Children born with VCFS can have a cleft palate, heart abnormalities, learning disabilities, and more than 180 other complaints. However, the extent to which a person is affected is extremely variable and almost impossible to predict.
The VCFS Foundation of Queensland is dedicated to helping the cause of people with VCFS in every way.
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA)
SLSA is Australia’s major water safety and rescue authority and one of the largest volunteer organisations in the country. Its mission is ‘to provide a safe beach and aquatic environment throughout Australia’.
With its state centres, SLSA provides patrol services on around 400 of the 11 011 beaches around Australia’s 36 735 km of coastline. Volunteer surf lifesavers complete surf patrols in their own time – usually a half-day patrol every two to three weeks.
SLSA is also a charity and relies on the generous support of the public.
Evolve (Formerly Youth Enterprise Trust)
This Australian not-for-profit organisation aims to empower disadvantaged and at-risk youth to make changes today for a positive tomorrow.
Evolve offers a range of challenging outdoor programs to help disadvantaged young people (aged 16–24 years).
It has a strong and growing family of individual, organisational and corporate supporters, and sustains a uniquely Australian program, which helps young Australians make the transition from adolescence to healthy, self-reliant young adulthood.
Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland
Formed in Queensland in 1975, the Leukaemia Foundation is the only not-for-profit organisation in Australia dedicated to supporting patients and their families with leukaemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, aplastic anaemia, amyloidosis and related blood disorders.
The Foundation cares for patients and families by providing a range of vital support services, free-of-charge, including counselling, accommodation and transport.
Currently, the Foundation operates four patient accommodation and support centres, which provide a home-away-from-home for patients and their families who need to move to Brisbane or Townsville for medical treatment.
In addition, the Foundation invests close to $1 million a year to fund medical research, which will lead to better treatments for these debilitating diseases.
The Leukaemia Foundation receives no direct ongoing government funding and relies on the generosity of individuals, community groups, trusts, foundations and businesses to continue its work and expand its services.