Bears Perth

Fundraiser 2009

Fundraiser 2009

In December of last year, the committee of Bears Perth decided it was time to give something back to the community by holding a major charity fund raising event. As a suitable beneficiary, we chose to help PICYS (Perth Inner City Youth Services) with their work with the Homeless Gay Youth of Perth.

In January we met with the Manager of PICYS, Charles Snelleksz-Mathelot to find out a bit more of what the organization was about and to offer our support.

PICYS was formed in 1980 to address the needs of young people in the inner-city region. The PICYS council is made up of a number of organizations and individuals who work together to offer key services to “at-risk” young people in Perth.

This includes building relationships based on integrity and respect, actively encouraging young people to be involved in it’s running, thus enhancing their sense of belonging to the wider community rather than just a youth service. PICYS also considers it important to promote greater public awareness of youth issues, thus leading to a better understanding of their needs.

As part of PICYS household network, they provide medium to long-term supported accommodation in the West Leederville area in shared houses and units for young people aged 16 – 25 who would otherwise be homeless.

They also provide support in areas such as income and budgeting, employment, education and housekeeping. Their external network offers support in their own housing, with often the initial connection having been through living in PICYS accommodation.

Many of the other services provided include confidential advocacy, referrals and counseling support; family mediation services; support and information to those using or who are at risk of using drugs, offering safer options and strategies for reducing drug use and related harms.
PICYS Mission Statement
Our vision for young people is that they will all have the choices to realize their own potential and make their own special contribution to life.

Now you ask, why a fundraiser especially for ‘The Homeless ‘GAY’ Youth of Perth. We were shocked to find that 70% of the homeless youth here in Perth identify as being either gay, bi-sexual or transgender.

Charles has expressed his gratitude to Bears Perth for arranging this fundraiser and has expressed that all monies raised will go in support of our diverse sexuality and gender (DSG) homeless young people who are living in PICYS accommodation. Their aim is to develop an outreach program for DSG youth that aren’t able to access accommodation with PICYS due to limited vacancies. To achieve this goal they need an extra $100,000 annually. The funds raised by Bears Perth will be put towards assisting these young people with:

• Food
• Medical bills
• Rent
• Maintenance of their units
• Assistance with education costs
• Outdoor activities and recreation

Well there you go my friends. This special fund raising Den Night event is on Friday March 27th 9pm at Loton Park. For more information regarding this event, please refer to the promotional material on this site. I look forward to the support of all our members and friends alike on the night.

Big Hugz

Paul Hayter
President
Bears Perth Inc

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