In recent months James Packer and Crown Casinos have been making headlines for their expansion into exotic gambling markets. The casino operator is spending millions on the construction of new casinos in Sri Lanka and other locations across Asia, but it seems that Crown Casinos is not all about spending money to make money.
The company has a charitable side, too, as Crown Casinos has just announced its plans to donate $750 000 to the Salvation Army in Melbourne This week, Crown Casinos’ board of directors approved the huge donation, which would be handed out evenly over the course of the next five years. The money will be used to fight poverty in Melbourne by funding a Night Watch program.
The Night Watch is a program that is exclusive to the Salvation Army. A group of volunteers visit homeless individuals across the city, providing them with food, blankets and hygiene kits to help keep them nourished and healthy. "We believe that together we can make a significant difference in the lives of those that find themselves in vulnerable and potentially critical situations,” says Brendan Nottle of the Salvation Army.
Poverty is a significant issue in Melbourne. Reports confirm that the highest concentration of homeless people exist in big cities, such as Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Across the country, there are 105 000 homeless individuals (source: Homelessness Australia). Victoria is home to one of Australia’s largest homeless populations, consisting of 22 000 individuals.
It is second only to New South Wales, where 28 000 people are homeless. Most homeless people (39%) reside in ‘severely overcrowded’ dwellings while 20% live in supported accommodation. 6% of homeless people stay in tents and other improvised dwellings while 35% stay as guests in other homes or in boarding houses. These individuals will benefit greatly from Crown Casino’s generous donation.
The Salvation Army’s Night Watch program will help to keep them safe and healthy while assisting them to get back on their feet.
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