5 great ways you can get involved in charity work
Jason Juretic | September 19, 2017
In the last few years, the not-for-profit sector has seen a significant rise in corporates wanting to get involved with charities in a hands-on and meaningful way, rather than simply donating to a cause. It’s great to see that people take active social responsibility and experience seriously. For corporates wanting to get involved with community causes, don’t let your imagination be limited! There are many great ways you can work with a charity, whether it’s offering your time, skills or fundraising support.
Here are 5 recommended ways to get involved with a charity:
1. Get a team together for a fundraising event
Get a team together and fundraise for your chosen charity while participating in a fun event, whether it be a BBQ with gold coin donations or a sponsored initiative like a running race. Fundraising initiatives are great for team bonding. One of our biggest contributors at Stepping Stone House is Kennards Hire, who enters a team in our annual Sailing Regatta and overnight fundraiser, Sleep Under the Stars, coming up Friday 27th October.
CEO Angus Kennard sees Sleep Under the Stars as an important team-building experience: “Working together to build a shelter for Sleep Under the Stars is a fun and challenging experience for the Kennards team. We look forward to it every year and feel good knowing we’re making a life-changing difference to formerly homeless young people.”
2. Volunteer your time and skills
Volunteering your time and skills to a charity is another excellent way to get involved. Whether your expertise lies in accounting, IT or acting, your knowledge and advice can make all the difference to disadvantaged communities.
For example, at Stepping Stone House, we have 160 volunteers from a diverse range of sectors, who regularly devote their time and skills across 40 different volunteer roles. We also host corporate volunteering days such as Working Bees and Backyard Blitzes, which anyone can get involved with, no matter their skill level or background.
3. Donate an experience that’s aligned with your brand
Why not make a difference by donating an enjoyable experience to a charity? This experience should be aligned with both the values and service offerings of your organisation, and the values and interests of the charity.
For example, we have a special partnership with Universal Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (UNISPHE) at Stepping Stone House. Every year at Christmas time, UNISPHE open up their VIP theatre normally used for movie premieres to our young people, creating a wonderful festive experience.
4. Become a mentor or role model for a disadvantaged person
Becoming a mentor or role model for someone less fortunate than yourself can be a hugely rewarding experience. One of our ambassadors, Ray Sykes, became a role model for Stepping Stone House when he started coming along on our outdoor education activities. His interest in the outdoors and rapport with young people mean he has a very positive influence on our residents.
“I really love the focus Stepping Stone House has on outdoor activities like camping and hiking. These activities teach young people to push through their comfort zone, to work as a team and to trust others,” he said.
5. Donate funds or items to the cause
Your organisation can also get involved with a charity by donating funds or items. Why not set up a recurring donation or a workplace-giving initiative where employees make donations pre-tax? You can also donate items that the charity needs, such as clothes, books, electronics, furniture or toiletries.
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Jason Juretic is CEO of Stepping Stone House, a not for profit organisation providing medium to long term accommodation and development for young people who are homeless, or who are at risk of homelessness or are living away from their families aged 12 to 24 years old.
