The brighter side of the finance industry

Some would describe the Australian finance industry as an intimidating mixture of products, pitches and broken promises. Aldrich Obach from The Hunger Project however has encountered it as a community welcoming philanthropy and embracing positive social impact.

Google ‘finance industry in Australia’, and you’ll probably find news articles containing words such as ‘warning’, ‘problems’, ‘watchdogs’, ‘inquiry’, ‘regulation’ and so on. Here’s an example of the latest one. My point is that media often like to tell a one sided story.

I work for The Hunger Project (THP). Our mission is to end hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots and women-centred strategies. Recently we received the generous donation of a booth at the 2015 SMSF Association Conference from a financial publishing and events company. We were offered a rare chance to get in amongst a 1,400 strong army of fund managers, accountants, financial planners and wealth advisers. As a non-profit who has relied solely on word-of-mouth, we met this welcomed gesture with a ‘let’s have a go’ attitude.

We had a few goals in mind going in, which included

– Obtain at least 50 new contacts or prospect for potential investors with THP
– Create interests with businesses and sponsors for potential partnerships
– Build awareness and educate about THP

Walking  into the Melbourne Convention Centre that first day, we were greeted with flashy booths and stalls that offered prizes such as drones, business trips, the latest tech gadgets and box tickets to AFL games. There was a steady stream of delegates pouring in with the odd suit pacing about to prepare for the event – and smack bang in the middle of it all was us. The Hunger Project booth was minimal compared to the booths around us. We had a few posters, brochures and an empty fish bowl for business cards. It was the ultimate David and Goliath scenario. However, by the time the delegates had their first morning tea, I knew we would be okay. We had quite a number of people approach us with genuine interest, questions and some even offering us helpful advice and feedback.

Over the week we met, observed and connected with a vast number of very generous and charitable individuals and businesses – in fact, more than double of what we expected. Some of them were already giving to charity and some were interested to know more. We were welcomed with open arms and supported throughout the whole conference and at one point even featured in their daily news.

There are some that would describe the Australian finance industry as a confusing and intimidating pack of products, pitches and broken promises. But what we observed was a community in collaboration, sharing best practice, and the best part was witnessing a community that welcomes philanthropy and embraces positive social impact.

We don’t often get to celebrate the goodness in some industries that have gone through the mud, but this is an article that does.

We are truly privileged to have been invited to be part of this growing and fruitful community. On behalf of The Hunger Project I say thank you.