CSR Initiative

I often advise my clients they need to have a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program for their company. As the world recoils from the global financial crisis, a thoughtful CSR is a good way to build trust with the public and establish you as an ethical business.

It’s easy to think a small business can’t make an impact. It can be hard to figure out where to invest your time and resources so they make a difference. For me, I knew I wanted to do something in my own community. It was important my contribution was measurable. I know every business wants a return on their investments but small businesses, in particular, need to feel that they’re making a dent. I have two CSR initiatives I support through Global Copywriting:

• Global Copywriting "GST Matching" Scheme
• White Gum Valley Primary School "Breakfast Club"

Global Copywriting "GST Matching" Scheme

I donate 10% of the total revenue from Global Copywriting to Not For Profit organisations. I call it my "GST Matching" scheme because, essentially, I contribute the same amount to charitable organisations I collect for the Australian government's Goods and Services Tax (GST). Benefactors of the GST Matching Scheme include:

April - June 2011

• adidas School Fun Run 2011 for the International School of Western Australia (ISWA) - Fundraising initiative sponsored by adidas to help Australian schools raise money for new sporting equipment. 

January - March 2011

• Women in Technology, Western Australia (WITWA) - Professional networking group developing techtrails, an initiative to encourage youth in remote and regional Western Australia to consider careers in technology. 

October - December 2010

• Westcare - Supporting people with disabilities for over 61 years
• K9 Dog Rescue Group - Because every good dog deserves a good home

July - September 2010

• October Family Camp - Presbyterian Church in WA
• 98.5 Sonshine FM Public Radio Station

Previous gifts

• Scots Presbyterian Church - Fremantle, WA
• Black Dog Ride - Raising Awareness of Depression

Contributions are made on a quarterly basis. Please Contact me if you would like more information.

White Gum Valley Primary School "Breakfast Club"

My entry into the world of CSR is sponsorship of the White Gum Valley Primary School “Breakfast Club”. The Breakfast Club provides a healthy, filling breakfast for children that may not otherwise get this vital meal. Breakfast is served at the school canteen 20 minutes before school starts to any child registered in the program.

I’ve been notified that because of my on-going contribution to the Breakfast Club, they’ve been able to offer breakfast one additional day. That's the sort of measurable result that makes me happy.

(From on email dated 11 June 2009. I've removed the dollar amount in the text of the note but will be happy to discuss specific details of my contributions with anyone that contacts me.)

Dear Sarah,
 
Thankyou so very much for the check of **** for the Breakfast Club Program. It has enabled us to provide more fresh fruit,juice and milk. It is pleasing to say the Breakfast Club will be on 2 mornings of the week stating before next term.
 
Thankyou for your new business cards. Your generosity is much appreciated it has made it possible to run the Breakfast Club for another morning during the week.