400 years ago the Founder of the Loreto Sisters, Mary Ward, inspired change in the world with her commitment to: “Do what is seen to be good in all circumstances… and be seekers of truth and doers of justice”.

Loreto Marryatville College past student Sarah Gun is doing just that – Educating and training homeless and disadvantaged people to work at her social enterprise in events management.

15 years ago Sarah started GOGO Events. After an incredibly successful 13 years creating events for many international and South Australian companies, she saw a new opportunity and transitioned GOGO events to a Social Enterprise Scheme in 2012. “I felt it was time to re-evaluate how my business is operating so that it could make a difference in our world,” she said.

GOGO Events has partnered with Catherine House Inc, which is a not-for-profit organisation, providing supported accommodation to single adult women over 18 years, experiencing homelessness.

Through the relationship with the educational arm of Catherine House, GOGO Events provides training and paid opportunities for women who are working towards achieving independence and employment. “I managed to convince my clients we could employ less fortunate people to work on the design collateral and materials for their events, and then we could designate a small amount of their budget into really doing some good.” Sarah added that she has had nothing but success and 100 percent input from these women.

Recently winning the Gold Award and a scholarship from the New Ventures Institute at Flinders University for her innovative business venture, Sarah’s creative thinking and social awareness makes her skills highly sought after by many corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations.

In addition to training and employing homeless women, GOGO Events also recycles and donates items used at the events and aims to source products from community groups and not-for-profit organisations.

Sarah is quick to point out that she doesn’t view herself as a life-saver. Instead she is helping give these women a second chance in life, while building their confidence and self-belief. Her hope is these women will gain enough confidence to become independent and seek full-time employment.

Words: Loreto Province Communications Manager, Elouise Hahn

Photo credit of Sarah Gun: Russell Millard