Celebrating community: Allhomes and Floriade partnership raises over $86,000 for YWCA Canberra

The growing popularity of Floriade’s Great Big Bulb Dig has culminated in a stellar fundraising total of $86,770 this year, with all proceeds going to support local housing for vulnerable women and families.

As the presenting partner of the 2025 Floriade, Allhomes helped generate the funds in support of its charity partner, YWCA Canberra.

The total will go directly to the organisation’s YHomes housing development program, which provides safe, purpose-built homes for women and families affected by domestic violence.

The majority of the funds were generated through sales of the popular Floriade Great Big Bulb Dig bags, with an additional $4500 contributed via on-site recycling efforts by Closed Loop and the ACT Container Deposit Scheme.

The Great Big Bulb Dig is a much-loved local tradition, giving Canberrans the chance to take home a piece of the festival by buying a $20 bag and digging up Floriade bulbs.

ACT chief minister Andrew Barr praised the initiative as a powerful example of community spirit.

“Floriade is not only a major event that draws in visitors and supports local businesses; it is a celebration of Canberra’s creativity and community spirit,” he said.

“The success of the Great Big Bulb Dig is a powerful reminder that when our community comes together, we can make a real difference.

“I thank Allhomes for partnering with Floriade this year, and Bulb Dig charity partner YWCA Canberra, for helping transform a joyful annual event into a meaningful contribution towards safe and secure housing for vulnerable women and families.”

Allhomes head of marketing Bree Baguley said the partnership was a natural fit for Canberra’s long-standing property portal, which this year celebrates 25 years of helping residents in the capital and its surrounding regions find a place to call home.

“Floriade is such a big part of what makes Canberra special, and Allhomes has loved being part of the fun this year,” Baguley said. “Knowing that every bag of bulbs sold supports YWCA Canberra in providing safe housing for local women and families makes it even more meaningful.”

The YHomes project is a critical initiative that provides secure and affordable housing to enable women to rebuild their independence. The next stage of construction, supported by these funds, will expand this access for the Canberra community.

YWCA Canberra chief executive Frances Crimmins said the funds would provide tangible, life-changing support.

“We’re deeply grateful to Allhomes for choosing YWCA Canberra’s YHomes as the 2025 charity partner,” she said.

“Thanks to Allhomes’ support, we can provide not just shelter but a safe, dignified and stable home where women and families can start to rebuild their lives. Every bulb bag sold directly contributes to creating a secure home in Canberra.”