When business meets purpose: Why supporting Chronic UTI Australia matters

As a 100% volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation, Chronic UTI Australia’s ability to provide advocacy, education and support for people living with chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) depends entirely on the generosity of our community.

Business sponsorships play a crucial role in sustaining this work—helping fund vital resources that allow us to drive our message further, reach more people in need, advocate for policy reform, and allow volunteers to keep driving meaningful change.

To explore why sponsorship matters—and how it makes a real difference—we spoke with Gaylene, our sponsorship coordinator, and Sarah, owner of Feel Better Box and Joode, one of our valued business sponsors.

Finding purpose through personal experience

Gaylene, Chronic UTI Australia’s new sponsorship coordinator, first discovered the organisation while searching for answers to her own long-term UTI symptoms.

“Finding Chronic UTI Australia was life-changing. It validated my symptoms and helped me realise I wasn’t alone. Thanks to the information I found on the website, I was able to seek treatment and today I’m enjoying life free of significant symptoms.”

When the opportunity arose to volunteer, she didn’t hesitate.

“I wanted to give back to the organisation that had made such a difference for me. My role now focuses on engaging businesses that align with our ethical sponsorship criteria to help fund our work.”

Her goal is simple: to build lasting partnerships that provide the stability Chronic UTI Australia needs to plan ahead, and continue advocating for better diagnosis, treatment and understanding of chronic UTI.

A business with heart: Sarah from Feel Better Box and Joode

Sarah runs Feel Better Box, a thoughtful care-package business that helps people send love, cheer and support when words aren’t enough. Her boutique sock brand Joode adds a touch of warmth and softness to each parcel.

Like many in our community, Sarah’s connection to Chronic UTI Australia is deeply personal.

“I fell into the pit of despair when another recurrent UTI hit, and I had no one to turn to. I found Chronic UTI Australia while searching for support on Facebook—it was my hero. I never want anyone else to feel that alone again.”

Supporting Chronic UTI Australia felt like a natural extension of her mission to help people feel cared for.

“My businesses are all about helping people feel better—and that aligns perfectly with what Chronic UTI Australia does. I want my daughter and every woman to grow up with the knowledge and support I never had.”

Why business sponsorship matters

Gaylene says that business sponsorships provide vital stability for small charities like Chronic UTI Australia:

“We receive no government funding, yet we have ongoing expenses just to operate—from maintaining our website to producing resources and advocacy materials. Sponsorships allow us to plan for the future, run awareness campaigns and reach more people who need us.”

Sponsorships can be financial, once-off donations, or pro bono contributions, and each one makes a tangible impact.

“Even small businesses can make a big difference,” Gaylene adds.

“Every dollar helps us educate doctors, produce patient resources and connect with researchers and policymakers.”

The ripple effect of support

For Sarah, the benefits of sponsorship go far beyond brand visibility.

“The ultimate benefit is knowing I’m helping to make a difference—for my daughter, for other women and for anyone suffering from chronic UTI. Customers often tell me how grateful they are that I support Chronic UTI Australia. It’s good for business, but more importantly, it’s good for the heart.”

Her message to other business owners is heartfelt and direct:

“Please do it. You’ll be helping an organisation that’s literally changing lives and improving the way doctors understand and treat UTIs. Your support will make a world of difference—maybe even to someone you know.”

How businesses can get involved

Chronic UTI Australia offers three levels of sponsorship—each providing visibility, recognition and the chance to make meaningful impact.

But as Gaylene explains, it’s about more than the dollar figure:

“Whether it’s a large contribution, a once-off donation, or a pro bono service, every bit helps us continue advocating for people whose voices are often unheard.”

Join the movement

Sponsoring Chronic UTI Australia is more than supporting a cause—it’s about standing with a community determined to make a difference. By partnering with us, your business can help people feel seen, supported and hopeful once again. You will be contributing to creating positive outcomes for those living with chronic UTIs.

If your organisation shares our commitment to improving lives and raising awareness of chronic UTI, we’d love to hear from you.

Email: gaylene@chronicutiaustralia.org.au
Visit the website: www.chronicutiaustralia.org.au

Click on the button below to download information about our sponsorship packages.

Written by Sally Murali
Online Communications /Digital Reach
Chronic UTI Australia Inc., 2025