Our Commitment to Community
Selecting our event charity partner wasn’t just about finding a worthy cause—it was about identifying an organisation whose mission aligns with our vision of building stronger, more connected communities.
Why Ruby’s House?
After careful consideration, we chose the Rotary Vulnerable Youth Project (Ruby’s House) as the charity the event will support and we want to share why this partnership represents everything the MarchMingle stands for.
Teenage Challenges
Across the world, thousands of young teenagers from all cultural backgrounds are living in unstable environments where safety and support are absent. Many of these young people sleep rough, couch surf, or face homelessness on the streets every night.
Without stable housing, these teens fall behind in education, become disconnected from family networks, and face increased vulnerability to harm. Yet, with the right support, many of these young people have the potential to become tomorrow’s teachers, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders.
Just as the AussiePeaceWalk MarchMingle promotes understanding between different people from different backgrounds, Ruby’s works to rebuild understanding within families facing crisis.
Why The Vulnerable Youth Project
Ruby’s House operates as what they call a “circuit breaker”—an intervention designed to prevent family breakdown before it becomes entrenched.
The program serves young people aged 10 to 17 who are at risk of homelessness due to family conflict or dysfunction.
Ruby’s House approaches youth homelessness with a model that resonates with our community-building philosophy.
Through intensive case management, family mediation, and consistent support, the program rebuilds fractured relationships and achieves remarkable results: 86% of participants successfully reunite with their families or transition to stable long-term housing.
A Partnership Already in Motion
Our connection with this project didn’t begin with this formal announcement. For several years, dedicated Rotary Vulnerable Youth Project volunteers have been part of the AussiePeaceWalk community, manning Sunday checkpoints and supporting participants.
Currently, Rotary is actively fundraising to establish a second Ruby’s House in the ACT on Canberra’s Northside. This expansion reflects both the program’s success and the unfortunate reality that demand far exceeds current capacity.
Ruby’s operates with admirable transparency and efficiency. The ACT Government funds operational costs, while Rotary and community partners provide the furniture, equipment, and volunteer support that transform houses into homes.
This means every dollar raised through MarchMingle goes directly to supporting young people in crisis.
To find out more, please visit the Rotary Vulnerable Youth Project website.
