Teen Challenge Tasmania …

MARRA has made quite an extraordinary statement in a recent media release describing a recent
acceptance of a donation of $20,000 from ALH Group as “extraordinary hypocrisy”.

Teen Challenge compromised: Home of Hope accepts money from big alcohol and gambling, Media
Release Thursday 23rd March 2017: Meander Area Residents and Ratepayers Association Inc. (MARRA)
when it stated:

“The Meander Area Residents and Ratepayers Association (MARRA) today commented on what they
described as the extraordinary hypocrisy of the strict Christian organisation Teen Challenge Tasmania
accepting a $20,000 donation from the “pubs and pokies” industry.”

“MARRA has made quite an extraordinary statement in a recent media release. Perhaps they may be
mistaking social responsibility with product endorsement.” said Tanya Cavanagh, Executive Director, Teen
Challenge Tasmania.

The ALH Group in its Commitment Statement on their website state

“ALH Group acknowledges that the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverage products and the provision
of gambling products bring important responsibilities with them. ALH Group is proud of the social and
entertainment experience that we provide to our customers. In delivering that experience we are committed
to upholding high ethical standards for our business operations including the purchase, sale, consumption
and promotion of our products and services.

These responsibilities involve a consideration of the harm that may be caused by problem gambling and/or
excessive alcohol consumption upon individuals and society.” (https://www.alhgroup.com.au/responsibleservice)

“As a result they like many organisations who have a social responsibility to consider the harms that might
result from their product, donate funds to charities assisting people that are struggling from these harms.

Home of Hope, is one such registered charity in the AOD space.” Mrs Cavanagh said “They should be
recognised for having a social conscience and helping charitable organisations. My understanding is they
donate over $2 Million per year to such charities.”

“We appreciate their very generous donation of $20,000, it will be used in establishment of Home of Hope,
which will help Tasmanian women and their children transform their lives and restore families.”

“Much like a fast food chain donating funds to a charity that helps people with obesity, there’s a social
responsibility, there’s no difference.”

“MARRA is correct that Teen Challenge promotes abstinence, we believe it to be the best way to not have an
issue with substance addiction and so do not endorse substance use, legal or illicit. As for not dancing….I
see Christians dancing in churches every weekend.”

“Lastly, in the interests of being factual, Teen Challenge Tasmania (TCT) is a non-denominational Christian
organisation. Teen Challenge USA, is a member of the AOG ministries in USA. TCT is a member of Teen
Challenge Australia and are related by purpose to global Teen Challenge centres and that is “to place hope
within reach of every addict” not denomination.”

What is Home of Hope?
Teen Challenge Tasmania’s Home of Hope will provide single women, pregnant women, and
women with children suffering from addictions and life controlling issues a safe and stable
environment.
We offer help to women and their children through our faith based program, to meet the needs of
the whole person; not only dealing with the addiction, but also rebuilding their self image, work
ethic, spiritual awareness and relationships.
Taking a holistic approach to the recovery of alcohol and other drug issues, women are nurtured in
all areas of their lives. Their family structure will be rebuilt, allowing them to return to society
stronger and equipped to succeed as a family.
In this process, the student is taught indispensable lessons of strong work ethics, team work,
patience, diligence, determination, communication, positive character qualities and motivation, to
name a few.
www.teenchallengetasmania.org
Teen Challenge Tasmania, Executive Director, Tanya Cavanagh