Making a difference externally and internally – the benefits of corporate volunteering with Very Special kids
May 9, 2017
The Jellis Craig Foundation has been a major supporter to Very Special Kids for almost three years now, often engaging in corporate volunteering activities.
Very Special Kids Hospice is the only facility of its kind in Victoria and offers families access to planned and emergency respite, as well as end-of-life care. Because Very Special Kids offers its services free of charge it relies on the support of the community, whose donations and volunteering make it possible.
Whilst the Jellis Craig Foundation’s reach has been felt far and wide helping the lives of many, the board has been mindful to focus the partnership program to a limited number of organisations so the contributions can make a real difference to those in need. Very Special Kids is one of two whom they support, and they have certainly felt that difference.
Elisha Di Paola, an Assistant Group Operations Manager at Jellis Craig, explained that in order to get involved with Very Special Kids, “Jellis Craig went through a review process and surveyed all staff to gain insight on what types of charities they wanted to support. The results were very clear and high in support towards a local charity who provides assistance to the health and wellbeing of ill kids, as well as their families”.
There are many benefits to corporate volunteering, not simply to the organisations Corporate Social Responsibility objectives and to each individual personally, but also to team morale and internal relationships.
“Corporate volunteering has many benefits including team building, a rewarding feeling of giving back to the community, assisting with developing staff skills, helping staff to undertake challenges outside usual routine and strengthening our community connections.
Volunteering provides staff with a sense of achievement and fulfilment, better understanding of the community and overall worldly knowledge. It also assists in creating larger networks” said Elisha.
Not only do organisations get the benefits of aligning themselves with a worthy cause through corporate volunteering, but they also provide the perfect medium for their staff to gain an additional sense of purpose.
Elisha explained that “corporate volunteering helps to create a platform for staff to personally get involved in fundraising activities, and their reward is assisting to make a difference, with a connection to the community.”
The Jellis Craig Foundation supports Very Special Kids in nearly all of their fundraising events, including the Piggy Bank Appeal, their major fundraiser. Last year they even dressed up in pig suits and got the highest takings for a day during the appeal at Bourke St Mall in September, perhaps the auctioneers had something to do with that.
For more information on our current corporate volunteering and partnership opportunities, please contact Adisa Hubanic on 03 9804 6227 or ahubanic@vsk.org.au
