EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES: New initiative channels funds directly into the heart of the Shire

BUSINESS FEATURE

Lisa Keller

Feature Writer

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Cheque Presentation with Mark Flinn, Adrian Bannerman and Steve Doble. Picture: Ray White Port Douglas

Local clubs, from sports to arts, are the backbone of small communities, and Douglas Shire's clubs are no exception. While they embody the vibrant essence we cherish in our Shire, sustaining successful nonprofits demands more than goodwill—it takes funding.

Fueled by dedicated volunteers, these organisations rely on local business sponsorships to maintain a fun and safe outlet for all members of the community. 

Port Douglas Junior Crocs AFL players in sponsored uniforms. Picture: Ray White Port Douglas

It's with this in mind that Ray White Port Douglas created 'Local Faces Supporting Local Names'—an initiative designed to give back to those who give so much.

The initiative stands as a beacon of support for local organisations and allows Ray White customers to also have their say.

So, how does the initiative work? The premise is simple: Sell or manage a property through Ray White Port Douglas and in return you can nominate a not-for-profit community club of your choice to which Ray White will donate $200. 

Ray White Selling Principal Mark Flinn emphasised that this simple yet powerful gesture is a crucial aspect of the Real Estate enterprise's values.

“Sponsorship is a huge part of our culture and a way for us to give back to the community,” he said.

 “We really understand the importance, particularly in a small town, of these groups and what they mean to people”.

Invaluable support

Local cricket team, The Muddies, is just one of the lucky recipients of the ‘Local Faces Supporting Local Names’ cheque – money that Muddies President Adrian Bannerman says is invaluable. 

“We wouldn’t be able to run the way we do without support from generous businesses in the area,” he said. 

“It allows us to buy the things a team needs to run like uniforms and equipment and even the maintenance of the pitch. 

“We're very appreciative of Mark and the whole Ray White team. They’re a team that supports another team and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about – coming together as a community and providing opportunities.”

The Crocs Port Douglas Junior AFL President, Darren Saxon, agreed citing the sponsorship agreements they have with Ray White and other businesses in the area are what keep these sorts of activities accessible to everyone.

“Sponsorship means the club can keep the cost of membership as low as possible, making it more accessible,” he said.

Through both the ‘Local Faces Supporting Local Names’ initiative and general sponsorship agreements, Mark and the team at Ray White are proud to be involved in numerous activities across the Shire and plan to continue doing so. 

“It makes us so proud to watch people in our community enjoying their passions and knowing that we’re making a difference in their lives and their futures,” he said.

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