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Bringing smiles to young faces through a cycle of giving

The Sheen Community Fund has a long history of philanthropy but one inestimable reward is the smiles it brings to young people’s faces.

The Sheen Community Fund has a long history of philanthropy but one practical and inestimable reward is the smiles it brings to young people’s faces.

With a well-known culture of generosity and philanthropy, Sheen Panel Service is focussed on building strong relationships within the community and workshops.

Sheen Panel Service created The Sheen Community Fund to help streamline their community work. The Sheen Community Fund is a dedicated charity fund helping families and children in need.

In July, The Sheen Community Fund focussed their efforts on partnering with a true and trusted children’s charity, Variety, to deliver bikes for underprivileged children for the Bikes for Kids Foundation.

A united effort on the day. All images: Prime Creative Media

Head of Operations at Variety, Kellee Ireland, spoke about the work the charity does to help improve the lives of disadvantaged children.

“At Variety we really focus on helping children and families who come from low socio-economic backgrounds, and children with disabilities. We recognise the stress that families are under, and we want to help in any way we can,” Ireland says.

“We are grateful that Sheen partner with us to deliver such a great day for the kids who really need it the most.”

The day kicked off with members of the Sheen Panel Service Sunshine building the bikes in their pristine workshop. In under two hours, members of the Sunshine Workshop built twelve bikes of all sizes for twelve lucky children.

Sheen Panel Service Sunshine manager, David Farrugia highlighted the importance of the day for the community.

“All the guys jumped on board to help put this day together. No one had to come in on their Saturday, but everyone was happy to help,” Farrugia says.

“It’s a great day, everyone enjoys it. It’s priceless seeing the families and children come in and see their bikes.”

By midday, red, fluorescent pink, and rainbow coloured bikes lined the workshop walls waiting for their new owners to take them home and enjoy them.

The bikes waiting for their new owners.
The day began with seven Sheen members assembling bikes.

As the families arrived with eager anticipation, the children inspected the bikes as they patiently waited for the presentation.

While the finishing touches were being made on the bikes, the families and team members enjoyed a BBQ and coffee van.

Once the bike building was completed and each bike was given all clear by a safety technician, the families listened to a speech from Variety CEO Mandy Burns. Each child was then called up to receive their bike, with a goody bag and chocolates from Sheen Panel Service.

One parent kept the day as a surprise for her two sons, who did not realise they were going to be gifted a bike each.

“They were a bit confused when we arrived, but now they’re so happy and cannot stop smiling,” the parent says.

“They can ride the bikes to school, to their friend’s houses, it will be great.”

Twelve children from three different families enjoyed the day.

The strong community spirit on the day was underpinned by Sheen Panel Service and the team members at Variety who went the extra mile to make the day an inclusive experience for everyone involved.

“We’ve addressed a specific need, and everyone gets a bike. We bring the family in under the Sheen banner, and everyone’s had a great, heartfelt day,” a Sheen Panel Service spokesperson says.

Variety

The vision of Variety – the Children’s Charity is for all children to reach their full potential regardless of background or ability.

With a network of 40 offices across 14 countries, Variety is dedicated to supporting children who are living with illness, disability or experiencing disadvantage through the lack of the provision of grants, scholarships, programs and events.

Variety’s work helps children to achieve freedom and mobility, access their community, communicate and achieve independence and increase self-esteem.

In Victoria, Variety holds numerous events every year to help. disadvantaged children.

“Every year we have an event for 5,000 children across Victoria. We all come together, and everyone gets a gift. For some children who attend, it will be their only present for the entire year,” Ireland says.

“For Sheen to facilitate a day like this, it makes all the difference.”

The day was underpinned by a strong community spirit.

Sheen Panel Service’s long history with philanthropy

Sheen Panel Service ensure that their fundraising efforts flow into some of Victoria’s much needed charities.

Sheen Panel Service has a prominent history in Victoria’s repair industry. Their philanthropic history spans more than 30 years, and the culture they have crafted brings a sense of community.

The Sheen Community Fund is expected to raise more than $300,000 in 2024 through donations.

Whichever causes are the beneficiaries, the fund’s principle remains the same; a conscious determination to change people’s lives for the better.

The flexibility of the Sheen Community Fund was again on display in April for the Good Friday Appeal.

In April, the fund, supported by Sheen Panel Service, donated $35,000 to the Royal Children’s Hospital – Good Friday Appeal. Sheen partnered with 3AW and the Sheen team members joined the Climb for The Kids event. Sheen committed the event’s largest contribution.

Sheen Panel Service has a long history of supporting the Good Friday Appeal.

“The shops contribute to the fund every year on a corporate level, so all our businesses pay their way and contribute to the community fund. That’s built into the way our business operates,” a Sheen spokesperson says.

The funds raised went towards research and equipment at the Royal Children’s Hospital to treat critically ill children. The fund’s contribution helped the Good Friday Appeal raise an incredible $20 million in 2024.

These positive results of making a difference then flows onto the 27 Sheen Panel Service workshops that contribute to the Community Fund.

A successful day for Sheen Panel Service and Variety.
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