RBC is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work. In the 20 plus years that RBC Capital Markets has been established in Australia, we’ve formed close associations with a number of charity partners that make a difference in our community.
For many years, RWomen, one of our employee resource groups that supports the recruitment, retention and advancement of women, has partnered with Lou’s Place to help them deliver valuable services to women across Sydney.
Lou's Place was established by a small group of women in Kings Cross, Sydney in 1999 as a daytime refuge for women in crisis. Over the years it has become an increasingly vital place for women in need, helping them heal and rebuild their lives while providing home cooked meals, shower and laundry facilities, emergency clothing and toiletries.
The professional staff at Lou’s offer a diverse range of critical front-line services, including crisis intervention, referrals, innovative trauma-informed programs, free legal advice, support for clients with court appearances or medical appointments and case management. Lou’s Place also provides a range of activities and programs to build confidence, develop life skills, and heal from past trauma.
RWomen has partnered with Lou’s Place since 2014, providing support through donations and non-financial assistance. RBC employees have been encouraged to roll up their sleeves and join working bees to transform communal spaces within Lou’s Place original Kings Cross terrace, donate personal hygiene products for women in crisis and to support gift giving initiatives including RBC’s annual Lou’s Place Christmas gift drive and the recent Christmas in July gift appeal.
RWomen was delighted to visit Lou’s Place new home in Redfern, Sydney earlier this year. The move to Redfern immediately increased the number of clients Lou’s Place can help by 50% and within five years the additional space will enable Lou’s Place to double the number of women they can support. In addition, the new premises has sufficient private and multipurpose spaces to run innovative and tailored activities and programs for women in need and provide a holistic client approach to address mental health, domestic violence, homelessness and addiction issues.
RBC was incredibly proud to support the renovation and fit out of the new building to make it safe, accessible and ready for the staff and women of Lou’s Place.
“Lou’s Place provides such an important service for so many women in need. I’m incredibly proud to work for an organization that places such a strong emphasis on supporting the communities in which we live and work.”- Su-Lin Ong, Chief Economist and Senior Relationship Manager, RBC Capital Markets Australia