Trees of Hope 2025 Winners Announced

Cancer Wellness Support, The Haven, and TOTS Blanket Challenge Win Big at Panthers Penrith Christmas Charity Event

Panthers Penrith is proud to announce the winners of Trees of Hope 2025, our annual Christmas charity competition that celebrates local organisations making a real difference across Western Sydney. After an overwhelming response from our community, with over 5,200 members casting votes, three exceptional Penrith charities have been awarded a total of $9,000 in community funding.

This year’s Trees of Hope campaign, newly hosted by Panthers Pulse, transformed our Main Foyer into a festive celebration of local impact, featuring eight beautifully decorated Christmas trees representing eight incredible Western Sydney charities.

Trees of Hope 2025 Winners

Members’ Favourite Tree: Cancer Wellness Support – $4,000

Cancer Wellness Support captured the hearts of Panthers Penrith members, receiving the highest number of votes in the Members’ Favourite category. For 20 years, this Penrith-based charity has provided affordable complementary therapies, counselling, and community support to people affected by cancer across Western Sydney. With 920 members, 140 volunteers, and nearly 7,000 therapies delivered annually, Cancer Wellness Support proves that compassionate cancer care is accessible right here in our community.

The $4,000 prize will help Cancer Wellness Support continue offering massage therapy, yoga, art therapy, counselling, and other vital services at substantially discounted rates to families facing one of life’s toughest battles.

Directors’ Favourite Tree: The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter – $3,000

The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter won the Directors’ Favourite Tree, earning $3,000 for their life-saving work supporting women and children escaping domestic violence. The Haven provides crisis accommodation, wraparound casework support, and pathways to independence for vulnerable families in Penrith and across the Nepean region.

This funding will help The Haven continue offering safe shelter, trauma-informed support, and practical assistance that helps women rebuild their lives with dignity and strength.

Staff Favourite Tree: TOTS Blanket Challenge – $2,000

TOTS Blanket Challenge took home the Staff Favourite Tree prize of $2,000 for their heartwarming volunteer movement that creates handmade blankets for vulnerable families. Since 2017, TOTS has produced over 2,400 blankets through the dedication of knitters, crocheters, and volunteers across Australia who gather at monthly sewing bees to turn squares into comfort.

The $2,000 will support TOTS’ ongoing programmes, helping them continue wrapping Penrith families in warmth and community care.

All Eight Penrith Charities Celebrated at Trees of Hope 2025

While three charities received major prizes, Panthers Penrith recognises that all eight participating organisations are winners. Each charity gained valuable visibility, connected with new supporters, and raised awareness about the critical work happening across Western Sydney.

Meet All Our Trees of Hope 2025 Participants:

NORO Music Therapy – Penrith-based music therapy organisation helping people of all ages and abilities reach their full potential through innovative programmes and NDIS services.

Penrith Lions Club – Decades of dedicated community service, bringing local volunteers together to support Penrith families through fundraising and hands-on programmes.

TOTS Blanket Challenge – Volunteer-powered movement creating handmade blankets for vulnerable families across Penrith and Australia, with over 2,400 blankets donated since 2017.

Regentville Rural Fire Brigade – Local volunteer firefighters protecting Penrith homes, families, and bushland with courage and commitment to community safety.

The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter – Crisis accommodation and support services for women and children escaping domestic violence in the Penrith and Nepean region.

Cancer Wellness Support – Penrith charity providing 20 years of affordable complementary therapies and counselling for people affected by cancer.

Penrith Community Kitchen – Serving free nourishing meals and genuine connection to anyone experiencing food insecurity or loneliness in Penrith.

Our Community Cares – Volunteer-driven Penrith charity keeping 100% of fundraising local, with zero admin costs and pure community spirit.

Record-Breaking Community Engagement: 5,200+ Votes Cast

The 2025 Trees of Hope campaign generated unprecedented community participation, with over 5,200 Panthers Penrith members casting votes between 12 November and 17 December 2025. This represents the highest voter turnout in the campaign’s history and demonstrates the strong community support for local Penrith charities.

Members visited Panthers Penrith to view all eight decorated Christmas trees in the Main Foyer, swiped their membership cards at voting kiosks, and selected their favourite charity across three categories: Members’ Favourite, Directors’ Favourite, and Staff Favourite.

Panthers Pulse: Supporting Western Sydney Communities

Trees of Hope is a flagship initiative of Panthers Pulse, the community arm of Panthers Penrith dedicated to supporting grassroots organisations, local charities, and community projects across Penrith and Western Sydney.

Through ClubGRANTS funding and community programmes like Trees of Hope, Panthers Pulse invests in the people, projects, and partnerships that make Western Sydney thrive. From youth services and health programmes to grassroots sports and charity support, Panthers Pulse embodies our commitment to the community we serve.

Our Community. Our Pride.

Winner Announcement Ceremony at Panthers Penrith

Winners were announced at a special afternoon tea celebration on Thursday, 18 December 2025, attended by charity representatives, Panthers Group CEO Andrew Hill, and Panthers leadership. The event celebrated all eight participating charities and recognised the vital work they contribute to the Penrith community.

Andrew Hill, CEO of Panthers Group, presented cheques to the three winning organisations, acknowledging their dedication to improving lives across Western Sydney.

About Trees of Hope

Trees of Hope is an annual Christmas charity campaign hosted by Panthers Pulse at Panthers Penrith. Each year, local Western Sydney charities are invited to decorate Christmas trees displayed in the Panthers Penrith Main Foyer. Members, directors, and staff vote for their favourite trees, with winners receiving cash prizes to support their ongoing community work.

The campaign aims to:

Raise awareness about local Penrith charities and their missions
Provide financial support through community voting
Celebrate organisations making a positive impact in Western Sydney
Engage Panthers members in meaningful community support

Since its inception, Trees of Hope has distributed tens of thousands of dollars to Penrith and Western Sydney charities while giving them a platform to connect with Panthers’ 50,000+ members.

Supporting Local Penrith Charities Year-Round

While Trees of Hope provides important funding and visibility during the Christmas season, these eight charities need community support throughout the year. Panthers Penrith encourages members and locals to:

Donate to charities whose missions resonate with you
Volunteer your time and skills to local organisations
Follow Penrith charities on social media to stay informed
Spread awareness by sharing their work with friends and family
Attend charity events and fundraisers throughout the year

To learn more about any of the participating charities and how you can support their work, visit their websites or contact them directly.

Join Us for Trees of Hope 2026

Panthers Penrith and Panthers Pulse will host Trees of Hope again in 2026. Local charities interested in participating should contact Panthers Penrith community team for information about next year’s campaign.

For more information about Panthers Pulse community initiatives, ClubGRANTS funding, or charity partnerships, visit our website or contact Panthers Penrith.

Contact Panthers Penrith

Panthers Penrith
83 Mulgoa Road
Penrith NSW 2750

Phone: 1800 PANTHERS
Email: info@panthers.com.au
Website: penrith.panthers.com.au

18 December 2025