A night of gratitude for the support from the community – CASS Charity Dinner 2024 celebrates the fruitful achievements in fundraising

On the memorable evening of June 22, 2024, CASS hosted a remarkable Charity Dinner at the Rhodes Phoenix Chinese Restaurant. Up to 600 guests were in attendance, all demonstrating their unwavering support for raising funds to repay the building costs incurred by CASS Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) in Asquith.

The banquet began with a traditional lion dance. Graceful dancing lions paraded throughout the banquet hall, filling the atmosphere with an overwhelming sense of joy and celebration.

Before the dinner, a captivating video introduced CASS’s groundbreaking and newly established Aged Care Centre in Asquith. This state-of-the-art facility, which began operations on 6 May, was a highlight of the evening. The video captivated the guests and showcased the unique design, inviting atmosphere, and impeccable execution of this recently completed aged care facility, underscoring the profound impact it will have on the community.

Professor Stephen Li, Chairperson of CASS, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed guests for their invaluable presence at the dinner and stressed the importance of their support in the charity’s mission.

He stated that the elderly population in Australia is expanding, encompassing a substantial number of older immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds who are actively seeking suitable retirement opportunities. In this case, aged care facilities in Australia often encounter significant language and cultural barriers.

“In 2015, we established the first residential aged care facility in Campsie and commenced operations. The Facility, consisting of 63 beds, achieved maximum occupancy within a mere four months of its inauguration, subsequently maintaining an extensive waiting list.”

“In 2017, the initiation of our second residential aged care facility project in Asquith required a substantial capital exceeding $40 million (excluding land acquisition costs). The repayment of these loans will be facilitated through community efforts, reflecting a combination of strategic measures. We sincerely hope for your generous support towards our charity fundraiser tonight.”

Then, he briefly introduced the community services provided by CASS, which encompass not only aged care facilities but also home ageing services and others. The majority of CASS clients come from Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and other communities. Currently serving over 2,300 individuals, our high-quality home care services have received positive feedback from satisfied customers.

Professor Li also shared the joy of CASS receiving the 2024 Business Excellence Not-for Profit Medal with esteemed guests. He expressed gratitude toward the sponsors for their charitable kindness in making this event happen.

The Hon Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW, recorded a video commending CASS for its unwavering commitment to community welfare and congratulating the dinner event on its success.

Mr Jason Li, MP, State Member for Strathfield, represented the NSW Premier at the dinner and delivered a speech emphasizing that CASS has consistently served as a community-oriented charitable organization since its establishment. CASS actively promotes cultural diversity and has achieved tangible outcomes over four decades.

Clr Andrew Ferguson, Canada Bay Councillor, representing Ms Sally Sitou MP, Federal Member for Reid, also took the stage to deliver remarks.

After the group photograph was taken, a raffle draw was conducted with the participation of Ms Floris Lam, representing the Hon Sophie Cotsis MP, State Member for Canterbury, and Clr Nancy Liu, Georges River Councillor. Subsequently, CASS announced its collaborative efforts with CanRevive Inc. to establish various community initiatives. The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the scene.

The dinner atmosphere reached its peak at auction time as people eagerly bid on the precious red wine autographed by Premier Minns. The auction successfully raised considerable funds for the Residential Aged Care Facility.

The Dinner ended with performances by the CASS Gordon Activity Group and the Korean Harmonica Group, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere throughout the site.

We are extremely grateful for the unwavering support we have received from individuals and groups across all sectors of the community, with a special acknowledgment to the event sponsors, including

Gold Sponsors: Austcover Pty Ltd and Hakka Pty Ltd;

Silver Sponsors: Culture Perspectives, iRest Australia, Newserv and Westpac;

Bronze Sponsors: Apek Computer Technology Pty Ltd, Astat Pty Ltd, Care

Sarang, GM Signs & Print, Green White Gardening, Healthwise AUST Pty Ltd,

Linear Project Management, Maxi Taxi, Walking in Life and Navitas Skilled Future.