By Chasse Ede
For us, in the Ede household, Christmas is a bit of a complex time.
On one hand, as real estate agents, and parents to a toddler and another baby on the way, my wife, Sam, and I, are usually absolutely flat out. This time of year is one of the busiest in property, and getting everyone who wants an inspection booked in over the holidays is almost a full-time job on its own.
On the other hand, as big supporters of local charities, it’s also a time of year when we become even more aware of the people in our community for whom just having a roof over their heads is at the top of their priority list.
They aren’t struggling to find a place because the rental market is tough or the right house for them is yet to come on the market; they’re struggling because they have suffered at the hands of violence from a partner or family member, or because they don’t know where their next meal is coming from, let alone their next bed.
Trying to balance thinking of those two worlds, understand how they overlap, and work out what we can do to make life easier for the people in both our worlds is a key focus for us.
Usually, I write articles and share videos about property. I like to share what I know and pass on my experiences and knowledge in the hope other people can benefit from it. But with the above in mind, I want to take a little time to put the spotlight back on the community, on those who are doing it tough, and on the organisations that play a pivotal role in helping them through one of the most difficult times of the year.
We’re fortunate we’re in a position to give back, and while at Presence and personally, we do that by volunteering, sponsoring and donating, sometimes the most powerful way to help is to use our platforms to create awareness so other people can get involved in helping too!
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting a few incredible organisations that are doing life-changing work for those in need. These charities don’t just help people; they create hope, restore dignity, and remind us all of the power of kindness.
Got Your Back Sista
Domestic violence is an issue that affects far too many people, especially women and children, often in silence. That’s why we are proud to sponsor and support Got Your Back Sista, a charity that raises awareness about domestic violence and provides crucial resources for victims to rebuild their lives.
Whether it’s through regular sponsorship or fundraising events, I’ve seen firsthand the impact this charity has on women and families in our area.
In summer, domestic violence rates often increase.
At Christmas and around the holidays, emotions can be on high, financial and work pressure can take its toll and old family grievances can pop back up.
Needless to say, this means this time of year isn’t as joyful for a lot of people as it can be for many of us, and in fact, it can be a time of fear and uncertainty.
Got Your Back Sista does critical work all year, but during these warmer months and the holiday season, demand is at its highest. Can you help?
Soul Hub
Homelessness and hardship are closer to home than many of us realise.
Every fortnight, I join the team at Soul Hub to help with Friday breakfasts, where we provide meals and a warm welcome to people doing it tough.
In Newcastle, it’s easy to think the problem isn’t all that big, especially when we look around at cities like Sydney and Melbourne and see the rate of homelessness.
Last year, Soul Hub served more than 60,000 meals to those in need.
That’s 60,000 times people didn’t know how they were going to eat, or, they were going to spend their day or night hungry.
To us, that’s just not ok!
Spending time with the Soul Hub crew and their visitors on Fridays, at their events and fundraisers are truly humbling experiences and remind me that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always time to lend a hand.
If you’re looking for a good gift for family, friends or staff this year, consider donating on their behalf to one of these very worthwhile charities.
If you have plenty, but maybe don’t have someone to spend Christmas with, think about joining the team this holiday season – you get to help others while feeling the joy of the season as part of a community.
Why giving back matters
As a real estate agent, I spend my days helping people find homes — but being part of this community means so much more than that to me. It’s about helping those who don’t have a safe place to call home, standing beside those who are rebuilding their lives, and supporting the next generation coming up.
I’m fortunate to work at Presence, a business that has always aimed to play a big part in the community and support these charities. Our own CEO has been involved with these same groups for years and has instilled in us a sense of urgency to give back and ensure the positives of property can be felt across the entire community, one way or another.
Christmas is a season of giving, but the truth is, these causes need support all year round. If you’re in a position to give back, I encourage you to get involved. Whether it’s donating your time, money, or skills, even the smallest contributions can make a world of difference to someone in need.
This year, as you celebrate with your loved ones, take a moment to think about how you can help others in the community. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what we achieve in life — it’s about the impact we have on others.
To learn more about these incredible organisations or to get involved, visit Got Your Back Sista, Soul Hub, or reach out to your local charities and community groups. Together, we can make this Christmas a little brighter for everyone.
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A little about Chasse
Chasse is someone who believes that work life and personal life go hand in hand; it’s why his availability is set to around the clock, and his local Presence is naturally prominent.
A dedicated agent and a caring dad, Chasse takes great pride in being a role model for the next generation of overachievers.
Forever finessing his expertise, his negotiation skills span from bottom lines to bedtimes — he confidently advocates for his client’s best interest and draws on a level head to navigate effortlessly through each transaction, instilling confidence in the process.
