Supporting our charities
Friday was a great day for the business as we supported two of our great charity partners and helped towards making a difference in the community that we operate and do business in.
Charity days, if you do them right, can be amazing for you, your people and your business.
Let me tell you how and why we do our charity days
The people in your teams may already be helping and supporting a charity, so ask them and find out which ones so you to determine which one to support as business. You could even let your people choose a charity as they will help towards making it a success, they will also make encourage any new team members get involved as the passion is in your team.
Four years ago, we decided to support Cash for Kids and our team love it. I am now fortunate to be trustee for Cash for KidsS both locally and nationally, for our support as a business, and our contributions to them. Really, I represent all our team as it’s them that drive me and the charity.
Cash for Kids – Charity Golf Day & Gala Dinner
Let me tell you how the day started… some people think taking a full day out of their business is crazy, but trust me, you need to step out and this is great way to do it.
Stepping out with your team and doing charity days, allowing you to still remain effective, can be very rewarding and you get sooooo much for the day if you do them right.
Friday morning started with a quick visit in the office to recognise a team member that delivered great service, as I always make sure we promote, recognise and praise great service. Our business account manger, Teresa, definitely showcased this.
I was on the way to a charity golf day that we support every year with Darren Proctor for Cash for Kids. I am not by any means a good player. I am more of an all the gear and no idea kind of player. It was defiantly a hack and wack session for me.
The day was brilliant for me, the business and the team member that came with me for the day. We had a lot of fun and had a great opportunity to give back and support something amazing. We also got to network with some amazing people. We reflected and discussed our businesses and set new plans and goals, all while supporting and helping a great charity.
I spent the day with Martyn Barrow and Thomas Clough from our business team, who are both great golfers, and Jennifer Hulme, our Head of HR. Jenn was the only female golfer on the day, which was surprising and left me thinking, again, why more females don’t get involved in golf days, charity or corporate events.
While playing the 18 holes we had time to have a huge amount of fun, mainly at my miss hits.
It was great to discuss business objectives to find out how people are doing in their role, listen to ideas on how we can improve and do things different, especially as Martyn is now starting to head up and lead our Business Team going forwards. I got to speak to him about how he was feeling, understand his ideas for the new role and it was great to see Tom supporting him.
The day came to a close, I left the event and the team invited their partners to the evening Gala Dinner. Again, this allowed them to bond and get to know each other’s family members. We really take the opportunity to make sure, where possible, we bring team and partners together.
Time for Charity Event No. 2
After finishing up the Charity Golf Day, I headed home to get changed and collect my beautiful wife and set off out the door to support our good friend, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Ian Hopkins, as he hosted his curry night to raise money for Retrak and Police Memorial UK – two more great causes.
I met with our Operations Manager, John Harvey (pictured above in the red tie), as he used to be a Special Constable before he worked for MID Comms 5 years ago, so there was some great commonality for him also. Ian is a great friend of mine and the event saw plenty of support to help raise over £26k on it’s 2nd year out as a charity night.
Getting to know your people, outside of the office
Again, it was great to meet new people and great for me to be able to speak to John about his new role and get some ideas from him for the charity support going forward, and also about his department. He made some great connections on the night that he took some ideas from and wants to do business with back at the ranch. Both charities are amazing and I love that we support them, it is great to find the time to give something back.
Where do you invest your time?
Both events cost only a little to support in comparison to the difference you can make to the charity and your team. I believe the money spent can be made back, but time is one commodity and currency that can NOT be replaced, refunded or created after it is spent. Make sure you make the most of your time, invest it well, and invest it on the right things and with the right people.
People have so many different views on supporting charity, but I hope I have given you some ideas that it doesn’t just have to be about giving money. When people ask, you can use the events to help spend time with your team in a social environment that helps them see the value of giving back. It also helps them see what the charities are doing and what they support. Your time supporting charity will help a multiple people, don’t underestimate YOURSELF and the difference you can make. Taking time to give back and do it with your team is an amazing opportunity so go and take yours!
Supporting a charity you are passionate about
Your team will love to drive the charity and it’s message both inside and outside of the business, it’s a win-win situation. So, why would you not look at what local charities are in your are for you your team engage with? Never underestimate the many ways you can support your local charities, just make sure you pick the right one for you and your people. As I always say, if your not passionate about what you or your team are doing then don’t do it.
Go find that charity and do something special with your team, you will be surprised at what difference it can make for your team, your business and it’s great to show your customers. You are a business that gives back the community that you do business in. By them your customers doing business with you, they’re helping a local charity also.