Families living in the flood ravaged Northern Rivers are being helped back on their feet by LJ Hooker Palm Beach, who have raised $95,000 for those living in the affected region.
The real estate office teamed up with Avalon local, Lisa Hewitt, in hosting a fundraiser dinner at restaurant, Moby Dicks Whale Beach, last Friday night. The event aimed to cover expenses to help families either relocating back home or into new premises.
Amethyst Robinson, a partner at LJ Hooker Palm Beach, said they didn’t hesitate when approached by Ms Hewitt.
“Lisa had been driving supplies up to Lismore and called us with the idea of doing a fundraiser - but wasn’t sure about how to go about it – so we jumped on board to make it a reality,” Ms Robinson said.
“The Northern Beaches has a kind of ‘sister suburb’ type relationship with the Northern Rivers. A lot of younger families from around here have moved up to the Lismore region for affordability over the past five to 10 years and we couldn’t just sit back here without helping.”
More than 40 items were auctioned off at the fundraiser including a New Zealand holiday to Queenstown, which fetched $24,000, and custom-made surfboard bundle, which sold for $17,000. Some winners even generously re-donated their prize to raise even more money for the stricken area.
The LJ Hooker Foundation stepped in to collect, receipt and hold the monies raised.
LJ Hooker Foundation spokesperson, Sarah Dickson, said the event sums up the community spirit of Australia’s most trusted real estate brand.
“LJ Hooker offices are always willing to go a step above to help those in need,” she said.
“It is wonderful to see LJ Hooker Palm Beach going above and beyond to raise much needed funds to assist those who have lost everything in the devastating floods.
“It’s a true testament to their community spirit, especially for a community that’s over 700km away.”
The $250-a-head dinner was attended by around 160 people with Sydney blues band, That Old Chestnut, also donating their crowd-pleasing performance.
Guests heard from LJ Hooker Lismore staff, who also had their office damaged in the floods. One employee told of losing their home, while another managed to save his prized possessions, including his much-loved suits, by climbing up and putting them on the top floor of his home’s annex.
“We know LJ Hooker Lismore lost around 80 properties from their rent roll,” Ms Robinson said.
“These are people who couldn’t afford insurance because the premium is so high due to previous floods. We are focusing on what is the first thing people need when they finally get back under a permanent roof and that will be beds and refrigerators.”
LJ Hooker Palm Beach is now working with several other charity organisations in the Northern Rivers to directly help flood victims.
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