Synergy lends a helping hand in a heart-warming TV renovation special
Synergy will partner with Channel Nine to renovate the home of a deserving Western Australian family, in episode seven of ‘Matt and Kim to the Rescue’ renovation special, which will air this Sunday, 19 February 2017.
Waikiki parents Russell and Amber Bates and their children Ethany (12), Xavier (10), Imogen (7) and Adison (5), have been struggling recently as their family deals with numerous medical conditions, will receive a much-needed home makeover.
The young family has been through their share of hardships – their youngest son Adison was born premature with oral dyspraxia, chronic lung disease and cerebral palsy. Both Xavier and Imogen have learning difficulties and Russell recently battled kidney cancer.
Synergy employees helped to demolish, landscape, clean, paint and work alongside celebrity renovators Matt and Kim who led a team of ‘rescue warriors’ comprising trade specialists and former Australian test cricketer Mike Hussey to transform the Bates’ family home.
As part of the four day renovation extraordinaire Synergy donated and installed a SolarReturn system, which is expected to save the family about $1,500 each year through solar PV, an energy monitoring solution and donated a year’s worth of electricity to help them ease their financial burden.
Synergy chief executive officer Jason Waters said the renovation program was about supporting local people and Synergy was pleased to be a part of the community efforts by providing something tangible.
“Synergy’s sponsorship of ‘Matt and Kim to the Rescue’ highlights how a complete energy management solution can help families with their long term savings on electricity and provides a small insight into how Synergy is looking at alternative energy sources to ensure it can provide its customers with greater choice and control,” Mr Waters said.
“The Bates’ family story has struck a chord and I’m really proud how Synergy staff got behind Matt and Kim to provide hands-on support with the home renovations.
“We wanted to assist them in the long term with an energy management solution and panels on their roof, and some upfront help towards their household budget with 12 months free electricity.”
Matt and Kim to the Rescue is uniquely Western Australian and helps transforms the lives of battling families as their homes are renovated with personal designs created by former Block contestants Matt and Kim Di Costa.
Mr Di Costa said the show relied heavily on the generosity of the community, local businesses and hundreds of WA trades.
“The Bates purchased a small, worn down, 1950s beach shack that was falling apart at the seams with the intention to demolish it and build their dream seaside home, however the succession of medical downturns meant their plans were put on hold,” Mr Di Costa said.
“Despite doing it tough, they have never complained and are ever optimistic. By choosing to home school, Amber and Russell have invested in their children’s lives first and accept that their house and their dreams won’t be changing for a long time.
“What we’ve done for the Bates will never make up for what they’ve been through but we hope the renovation gives them much needed space so they can enjoy the sea change they’ve longed for.
"Synergy’s support has been truly invaluable. We would not have been able to deliver a renovation of this scale without the people power or expertise from our supporters. A huge part of our design process is considering the ongoing expenses of the family post-renovation. Synergy’s support was remarkable through the supply of 19 solar panels, an inverter and a see-and-save device.
“Synergy’s contribution will save the family around fifty per cent off their annual electricity bill. The see-and-save device will help the family track and manage their energy usage through an online dashboard, which could help them earn more savings on their energy costs into the future.
“We are proud to receive Synergy’s continued support as a member of the Matt and Kim Rescue family.”
Matt and Kim to the Rescue, episode seven will air on Nine Perth on Sunday 19 February at 7.30pm WST. Follow Synergy and all the supporters on the renovation journey at @Synergy, #9MattAndKimRescue and #9SettingSailForHome.
ENDS
Media contact:
Doug White
Synergy
0439 904 770 / 08 9424 1977