As hardship hits across WA communities, it’s time for corporate organisations to step up and join forces with not for profits – and the benefits are far-reaching beyond putting food on the table and a roof over people’s heads.
The advantages to the corporate sector in partnering with not for profits go well beyond the ‘feel-good factor. By co-delivering services and acting as collaborators, the alignment allows corporates to fulfil their ESG obligations and along the way, become collaborators in improving communities around the State.
In the last of a series of articles exploring the advantages of collaborations, several leading NFPs show how working alongside the sector offers the chance for corporates to elevate their ESG obligations and make a measurable impact as a result of their investment.
Added value a key driver
Ronald McDonald House Charities WA (RMHC WA) are a unique and essential service that enables family-centred care within the Western Australian maternity, child and adolescent health systems. Patients and families are provided the support and care they need beyond treatment; 24/7, 365 days a year.
Recent research tells us that families would be adversely impacted financially and emotionally if they were unable to access RMHC WA support,” said CEO Peter King.
“We cannot allow the wellbeing of families with sick children to struggle at a time they need support the most.”
So collaborating with the corporate sector is a key factor in being able to deliver these essential services, and equally ensures partners fulfil their own obligations to the community they work within.
“By supporting the children and families RMHC WA cares for, our partners are contributing to the ESG goals for ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’ and ‘Quality Education’,” said Mr King.
“Many of our partners recognise the additional value of our continued education program for children missing out on school due to illness or injury. Children are provided with specialist tutoring and therapeutic support throughout the state.”
Continued education is vital for the wellbeing and longer-term potential of the children to feel connected with their peers and achieve their life goals.
“The students in our program not only successfully complete their curriculum but excel in their efforts and school relationships,” he said.
“So many of the students have become school captains, attained tertiary qualifications and importantly gained the confidence to believe in their ability and future.
Delivering the ‘what’s in it for them’ factor
Kate O’Hara, CEO of Foodbank WA, sees every day the real impact collaboration provides to partners with the organisation she oversees, as well as the community at large.
“As a leading food-focused charity, we offer a safe place for all West Australians who fall on hard times.
“The momentum of food insecurity as an issue is increasing rapidly in WA, and thankfully the momentum of support is increasing in tandem alongside. Corporates can bridge together across sectors, and even with competitors, to be part of the momentum in creating genuine impact, improving the lives of so many for our State.
“This can often be unique to the corporate landscape, with businesses working together for the same outcomes.”
One such partnership this year was with Peel Thunder, a sporting organisation keen to make a difference in the Peel region by supporting Foodbank Peel.
“We understand the need to ensure all of our community are provided with the life’s essentials at all times,” said Paul Lekias, Peel Thunder CEO.
“Our support of Foodbank WA is to raise the awareness of food insecurity across our region and do what we can to help those in the community that may be struggling with the continual increase to living costs.
“As a club, we look forward to generating much needed goods and donations to support Foodbank WA and acknowledge the amazing work they already do in our community”.
For her part, Ms O’Hara acknowledged the investment by Peel Thunder in keeping food supplies flowing through the Foodbank Peel hub as invaluable.
“Peel Thunder is a valued Foodbank WA partner,” she said.
“The importance of connecting the regional community through the football club for Foodbank Peel is vital in what has been an increasingly difficult few years for vulnerable Peel residents.”
By partnering with different corporates like Peel Thunder, Foodbank WA and other not profits are able to share their story with a community that they may not otherwise connect with.
“This is invaluable in ensuring that members of the community who are facing food stress know that we are here and they can access support,” said Ms O’Hara.
“Peel Thunder is a great example of this as their club is embedded in the Peel community.”
Across events, fundraising, food raising and volunteering, corporates joining the cause can give them a better understanding of the community in WA but also create new opportunities to connect with them which may have eluded them without that collaboration.
Benefits and beneficence
Although it may be difficult to quantify the benefits of collaborating with the corporate sector over, say, government agencies as they have distinct contexts for working with NFPs, for organisations like RMHC WA the chance to forge partnerships with businesses is all about strengthening community links.
“At RMHC WA, our corporate partners want to deeply connect with the challenges for the children and families we support and participate in opportunities to advocate for them beyond their investment,” said Mr King.
“This is really important as it helps us to grow a consciousness in the wider community that anyone can make a positive change in the life of another.”
