For a decade, Trees of Hope has brought a little extra meaning to Christmas at Cronulla RSL, transforming decorated Christmas trees into a celebration of community spirit, generosity and the local programs making a difference in people’s lives.
First launched in 2016, the annual campaign has become a much-loved festive tradition at the Club. Each year, Trees of Hope shines a light on community initiatives that deserve recognition, giving members an opportunity to learn about their work and help direct funding towards causes supporting people and animals in need.
This Christmas, three Trees of Hope will take pride of place at Cronulla RSL, each representing a program making a positive contribution to the wider community. This year’s participating programs are Hopefield Services’ HopeHaven, Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter and Sydney Dogs & Cats Home.
HopeHaven supports people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Cronulla, providing practical assistance and pathways towards greater stability. The Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter cares for stray, abandoned and neglected animals, helping reunite lost pets with their owners and find suitable, loving homes. Sydney Dogs & Cats Home also provides a safe haven for animals in need, delivering care and rehabilitation while helping connect them with their families or new homes.
The Trees of Hope campaign invites Cronulla RSL members to get involved and support the program they would most like to see receive additional funding. During the voting period, financial members can collect their weekly voting ticket from the Members Kiosk in reception each Monday and place it in the barrel beside their favourite tree, helping determine how the prize pool will be distributed.
Every vote also gives members the chance to enter a draw to win a Cronulla RSL Gift Card valued at $500. Terms and conditions apply.
At the heart of Trees of Hope is a simple idea: recognise the work being done in our community and provide practical support to help it continue. The three participating programs will share a prize pool of $7,000, with $3,500 awarded to the program receiving the most votes, $2,500 for second place and $1,000 for third place.
Since 2016, Trees of Hope has reminded us that Christmas is about more than decorations and celebrations. It is also an opportunity to recognise the people, organisations and programs working throughout the year to make a difference.
As the trees light up Cronulla RSL once again, members are encouraged to take a moment to discover the stories behind them, cast their votes and help spread a little more hope this festive season.
Meet the 2026 Trees of Hope
Hopefield Services: HopeHaven
Hopefield Services is supporting people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Cronulla through HopeHaven. The program offers practical assistance, including hot meals, showers, laundry facilities, blankets and hygiene packs, alongside counselling, mental health support and personalised pathways towards greater stability. Through immediate relief and ongoing support, HopeHaven helps people navigate difficult circumstances and work towards a more secure future.
Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter
The Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter provides a safe place for stray, abandoned and neglected animals while working to reunite lost pets with their owners wherever possible. The shelter also supports animal welfare through veterinary care, desexing and adoption programs, helping animals find suitable, loving homes while promoting responsible pet ownership across the community.
Sydney Dogs & Cats Home
Sydney Dogs & Cats Home provides a safe haven for lost, abandoned and neglected animals, delivering care, veterinary treatment and rehabilitation to give them the best possible chance of a happy future. Through reunification, foster care and adoption, the organisation works to connect animals with loving homes while educating the community and strengthening the bond between people and their pets.
Key Dates
Voting opens: Monday 9th November
Voting closes: Sunday 13th December
Winner announced: Tuesday 15th December
Visit Cronulla RSL, explore the three Trees of Hope and cast your vote to help support a cause that matters to you.