COS is dedicated in supporting not-for-profit organisations focused on human welfare. The success of COS allows us to give back to the community through the Lyone Foundation. Through our success and the support of our customers the Lyone Foundation has been proud to give back over $20 million to local Australian charities in our communities that have minimal Government funding, supporting disadvantaged, vulnerable, and marginalised Australians. From 2024, the amount pledged to the Lyone Foundation has been raised to 1% of COS annual revenue.
To date the Lyone Foundation has supported over one hundred deserving local charities across Australia.
Staff Charities
A major part of the Lyone Foundation’s yearly charity contribution is the Staff Charity Selection Program. As a way for COS staff to participate in the positive impact of the Lyone Foundation each year, a small volunteer committee of COS employees in each branch drive the annual ‘Charity Selection Program’. This committee receives a portion of the annual donation from COS and play a crucial role in selecting worthy causes to support.
The COS staff committee members take on the important responsibility of thoroughly evaluating a wide range of charitable organisations, carefully examining their missions and the impact they make and guiding them in directing funds towards local, smaller-sized charities in their community that may be overlooked or underfunded.
In COS branches where two charities are selected, every employee in that branch gets to vote on what charity they would like to support. Each vote has has a value attributed to it which then determines the donation that is allocated to the charity from the Lyone Foundation.
The staff charities receiving donations in 2024 are:
Melbourne Charities
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters runs a community-based mentoring program that pairs young people with mentors who provide stability and support through regular activities. This one-on-one mentoring helps children and adolescents develop positive relationships, explore their potential, and build resilience.
Currently, there are over 800 young people awaiting a mentor, referred by caregivers and community members who recognise the impact of mentorship on youth development. A $23 donation covers the screening process for new mentors, ensuring safe and suitable matches that foster long-term connections.
Donation: $9000
Project: Screening new mentors
TLC for Kids
Since 1998, TLC for Kids has been a pillar of support for sick children and their families across Australia. Their critical services, used over 14.1 million times, include emotional and practical aid during hospital visits and beyond. The innovative Tap 2 Distract app extends their reach, providing digital support to children facing medical challenges.
Key programs like the Distraction Box initiative equip medical professionals with tools to ease children’s anxiety during procedures, while the TLC Ambulance Program fulfills the dreams of children in palliative care with memorable experiences. These efforts underscore TLC for Kids’ commitment to enhancing paediatric care nationwide.
Donation: $11,000
Project: Distraction Boxes and the TLC Ambulance Program
Sydney Charities
Wings4Kidz
Wings4Kidz facilitates free flights for children in regional areas who require specialised medical treatment in major city hospitals. By alleviating the financial and emotional burdens of travel, Wings4Kidz ensures that children and their families can access critical healthcare without the stress of long-distance journeys.
Their dedicated team of pilots and planes support children with serious illnesses such as cancer and congenital disorders, offering a safe and comfortable alternative to lengthy road trips. This service not only supports medical needs but also uplifts spirits during challenging times.
Donation: $26,400
Project: Flights
Horse Aid
Horse Aid uniquely combines equine-assisted therapy with the rehabilitation of ex-racehorses to support current and former defence personnel and first responders. The program’s immersive sessions teach horsemanship skills while fostering emotional healing and mutual understanding between participants and horses.
Recognising the therapeutic benefits of interacting with horses, Horse Aid offers tailored programs that address anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress injuries. Through hands-on training and peer support, participants find solace and renewed purpose in a tranquil, non-judgmental environment.
Donation: $5400
Project: One-day and five-day courses
Brisbane Charities
At the Ark
At the Ark focuses on healing and empowering individuals and families affected by child sexual abuse and domestic violence. Through educational resources like the “Brave Little Bear” book series, the organisation promotes prevention and supports survivors in their journey towards recovery.
The series equips children, parents, and caregivers with tools to recognise abuse, foster safe environments, and respond effectively to traumatic experiences. By advocating for systemic change and education, At the Ark aims to create communities where every individual feels safe and supported.
Donation: $10,000
Project: Provide approximately 285 Brave Little Bear book sets to schools
Small Steps 4 Hannah
In memory of Hannah Clarke and her children, Small Steps 4 Hannah raises awareness about domestic violence and empowers young people to recognise coercive behaviours early. Their HALT program provides school-based education on respectful relationships, aiming to break the cycle of abuse through informed dialogue and support.
By engaging students in discussions about safety, identity, and social responsibility, Small Steps 4 Hannah encourages proactive steps towards creating violence-free communities. The program’s comprehensive approach fosters empathy and empowerment among youth, laying the groundwork for healthy relationships.
Donation: $10,000
Project: The HALT program
Tasmania Charities
Toast for Kids
Toast for Kids addresses poverty, health disparities, and educational challenges through emergency food relief and literacy programs in Tasmania. Their “Read Aloud to Your Child Every Day” campaign promotes early childhood development through daily reading, nurturing language skills and parental engagement from infancy.
Collaborating with schools, parent groups, and literacy advocates, Toast for Kids encourages a culture of reading that supports children’s cognitive growth and future success. By providing resources and fostering partnerships, the not-for-profit strives to uplift families and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Donation: $5000
Project: Creating approximately 70,000 bookmarks .
Newcastle Charities
Sleapy’s Foundation
Sleapy’s Foundation supports families in regional NSW facing medical crises by providing essential services and practical help. Their “bag of hope” initiative offers tangible support to parents of sick children, including transportation vouchers and home-cooked meals, easing the logistical and emotional burdens of hospital visits.
By responding swiftly to urgent needs and partnering with hospital networks, Sleapy’s Foundation ensures that families receive compassionate care during challenging times. Their initiatives reflect a commitment to community resilience and solidarity in times of adversity.
Donation: $10,000
Project: Support approximately 50 families with a bag of hope
Canberra Charities
Stella Bella Foundation
The Stella Bella Foundation enriches the lives of seriously ill children and their families through comprehensive support programs. From financial aid and bereavement support to innovative respite care at the Stella Bella Children’s Centre, the foundation addresses the multifaceted needs of families navigating paediatric illness.
The upcoming Stella Bella Cottage will provide short-stay accommodation for families seeking medical treatment, offering comfort, privacy, and specialised care. This initiative exemplifies Stella Bella’s dedication to enhancing quality of life for children and families facing medical challenges.
Donation: $10,000
Project: Building the Stella Bella Cottage
Adelaide Charities
RufUs
RufUs empowers vulnerable individuals in South Australia by providing essential household items and support services. From furnishing homes for those transitioning out of homelessness to supplying household essentials and white goods, RufUs ensures that families have the tools they need to build stable, independent lives.
Through community partnerships and volunteer efforts, RufUs promotes dignity and stability for individuals and families experiencing hardship. Their commitment to sustainable support reflects a vision of inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.
Donation: $10,000
Project: Provide fresh start packs for 104 people (approximately 26 families)
Darwin and Townsville Charities
LiteHaus International
LiteHaus International Australia addresses digital inequality in education by providing laptops to First Nations high school students in Townsville and Darwin. By bridging the digital divide, LiteHaus enables students to access online learning resources and take part fully in educational opportunities.
Their initiative supports First Nations youth and regional students, empowering them to pursue academic excellence and future success. By investing in digital literacy, LiteHaus fosters equity and innovation in education, creating pathways for socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
Donation: $5000 (Darwin), $5000 (Townsville)
Project: Providing personal laptops for 25 First Nations children
Western Australia Charities
Pink Belt
Pink Belt empowers women recovering from violence through martial arts training, promoting healing, confidence, and resilience. The Pink Belt Scholarship offers women a year of free martial arts classes, providing physical and emotional support during their journey to recovery.
The program not only enhances self-defence skills but also cultivates a supportive community where women can rebuild their lives with dignity and strength. Through advocacy and education, Pink Belt fosters a culture of respect and empowerment for women affected by violence.
Donation: $15,200
Project: Funding Pink Belt scholarships
Paint Me A Rainbow
Paint Me A Rainbow raises awareness about autism spectrum disorders and supports families through educational workshops and community events. Their initiatives during Autism Awareness Month provide vital information and resources to parents and educators, promoting understanding and inclusion.
By Facilitating dialogue and offering practical support, Paint Me A Rainbow empowers families to navigate the challenges of autism spectrum disorders with confidence and compassion. Their commitment to education and advocacy fosters a supportive environment where all children can thrive.
Donation: $4800
Project: Funding Autism Awareness Week events
Signature Charities
In addition to the Staff Charities, the Lyone Foundation has also donated to a number of Signature Charities. The Lyone Foundation has committed to multi-year donations with multiple charities across the nation to fund signature projects, including the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Vinnes Vans, United Way Australia’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the Anglicare Victoria Buldau Yioohgen Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy, the Redkite Children & Sibling Counselling Program and The Smith Family COS Leadership Program.
The Lyone Foundation slate of signature charities grew in 2024 with the addition of the Ardoch Writer in Residence program.
Ardoch
Ardoch is a children’s education charity dedicated to empowering disadvantaged children by enhancing their engagement in learning and helping them envision a brighter future. The charity aims to ensure every child can reach their full potential through active participation in education, supported by community and workplace volunteers.
Recognising the essential role of literacy in educational success, Ardoch addresses the impact of social background on literacy outcomes. A 2020 study revealed that 25% of Year 7 students fell short of expected literacy standards, with disadvantaged, Indigenous, and rural students being the most affected.
Ardoch’s Writer in Residence program tackles these challenges by bringing published authors into classrooms for story writing workshops. Over four weeks, authors guide students through identifying story ideas, developing characters, and creating, editing, and illustrating their own books. This program aims to enhance students’ creativity, storytelling, and writing skills.
The culmination of the program is a book launch event, where each student receives a published copy of their work. This celebration boosts students’ confidence and pride in their achievements. The program has proven to significantly improve literacy, stimulate creativity, and give a unique opportunity for students to interact with a published author. Teachers report increased student engagement, collaboration, communication skills, and confidence in learning, with 80% seeing improved communication abilities and 68% noting better focus on learning.
Donation: $100,000
Project: Funding 16 new Writer in Residence programs annually
