Aus Charities Secure Global Grants
8 January 2015 at 9:45 am
Three Australian Not for Profits have been awarded grants under a US$2.5 million global funding program, initiated by business products and services supplier Staples.
The charities – Jeans for Genes, The Cerebral Palsy Alliance and The Smith Family – are the Australian recipients of the 2015 fund grants as part of its Staples 2 Million & Change program.
The program enables employees globally to direct more than US$2.5 million to local organisations that they wish to support.
Jean’s for Genes has been awarded $20,000, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, $7500 and The Smith Family $2500.
Recipients are chosen through employee votes against a nominated list of five local Not for Profit organisations that the Staples Foundation says embodies the organisation’s core mission – to teach, train and inspire people from all walks of life by providing educational and growth opportunities. Staples operates in 26 countries including Australia.
“Staples is firmly committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work. We feel it is vital to support deserving organisations across the globe, and our 2 Million & Change program offers our employees and customers a voice in how we achieve this. Together, we are dedicated to supporting charities who are working tirelessly to make a difference,” Vice President, Human Resources Michael Knight said.
“Community and employee engagement is deeply embedded in our company culture, and we’re delighted with how our employees and customers have responded to this exciting approach to corporate giving."
As part of its overall strategy on corporate social responsibility, Knight said that along with subsidiary company, Educational Experience, have donated $60,000 worth of toys and gifts to the Smith Family and BoysTown Queensland in the lead up to Christmas this year.
“The Smith Family and BoysTown Queensland are two charities that help disadvantaged Australian children access education and improve their quality of life. Staples has long been a supporter of The Smith Family and the donation this year is a reflection of its continued support after also being selected as a 2 Million & Change recipient.
“This time of year is all about giving. Giving all children the opportunity to learn and grow is at the core of what we do,” Knight said.
“We are proud to provide quality learning resources and toys to families who may not otherwise have access to them.”
Jeans for Genes supports research into genetic diseases, birth defects and cancers at Children’s Medical Research Institute.
The Cerebral Palsy Alliance is a Not for Profit organisation which provides services to adults and children with cerebral palsy across New South Wales.
The Smith Family is an Australian independent Not for Profit children's charity whose goal is to create opportunities for disadvantaged children and their families and encourage them to participate fully in society, using education as a key tool.
