Sony Foundation donates $770,000 to charity projects for bushfire-affected youth

The Sony Foundation has donated nearly $770,000 to charities and other organisations that will support young people affected by the Black Summer bushfires over 2019-2020.

Of the funds, $450,000 was handed to BackTrack Youth Works, which will work with Sony Foundation to build youth sanctuaries out of shipping containers in the NSW regions of Tenterfield and Mackville. BackTrack will also deliver a youth resilience program, including training and bushfire recovery work.

“We knew following the Black Summer fires there would be many young people hurting,” BackTrack CEO Bernie Shakeshaft said in a statement.

“Bringing the BackTrack program to young people in these areas can give them a sense of purpose and hope, by enabling them to be a part of the recovery solution, both for themselves and the community.”

Grants were also donated to PCYC South Coast, for a youth hub in Eden, and Musicians Making a Difference, for a resilience tour of music therapy workshops through regional Victoria and NSW.

As previously announced, the Foundation for Regional & Rural Renewal received $200,000 to deliver community and support projects for young people in Mallacoota and Ulladulla.

Most of the funds were raised through sales of the Artists Unite for Fire Fight charity album, which was released following the accompanying live benefit concert. Performers on the record include Guy Sebastian, Delta Goodrem, Baker Boy, Tina Arena, John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John, among others.

Sony Foundation CEO Sophie Ryan said young people are often left behind during the disaster recovery process.

“Sony Foundation has a track record of creating safe and supportive spaces for youth facing some of the toughest adversity. These are places where youth can go, make positive social networks and build resilience. It is the basics for what every young Australian should have so they can have the best start in life,” she said.