It’s very hard to ascertain exact figures as to the important work NFPs do because data collection is understandably difficult. In 2010, the government did release some numbers through the Australian Bureau of Statistics and a few of the more salient ones are these…
- 1 million Australians work as volunteers across Australia
- NFPs contribute more than $43 billion to gross domestic product
- NFPs employ approximately 890,000 people
Much of the data available was collected in 2006 – 07 so I can only imagine what the benefits to Australia are today? The numbers are incredible and they make me and my family realise just how many people need assistance.
There is no right or wrong way to do it, but every business or business owner has a moral obligation to contribute to the extent they can.
After more than 30 years in business we have made a significant contribution to the broader community and it is a commitment we will continue to uphold whilst our doors remain open. My husband Robert and our sons Daniel and James appreciate how lucky we are, and that we are in a position to help people and NFPs. It’s why the boys kindly let me organise the local Relay For Life event each year to raise funds for the Cancer Council.
We were recently approached by the founder of The Sydney Chocolate Ball, a fabulous themed event which raises monies for medical research to find treatments and a cure for Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) – the most common form of MD in adults and children – to become a supporter, and whilst my family doesn’t have any direct contact with an MD sufferer, we were quickly convinced of the merits of the organisation and the real need to address this insidious and debilitating disease. So in partnership with Bolton Gems, we agreed to donate a beautiful piece of jewellery.
That said, supporting the community doesn’t simply come in the form of donations to NFPs though. Our approach to the betterment of society includes providing assistance to creative people (particularly designers) as we have done with our apprentice Morgan Sloane in the international HRD Antwerp Awards competition for 2015 and we are doing with couturier Dianne Lewis at the inaugural Australian Bridal Fashion Week.
The point is, you can make a difference to society by donating money, product, services and/or your time. It’s up to you to contribute what you can. But please give. It really does make a difference.
More coming soon…
