Craigs Investment Partners' Christchurch team has demonstrated the power of collective giving this holiday season, with their workplace giving program supporting four local charities through The Christchurch Foundation. The initiative, which replaces traditional client gifts with meaningful community support, has distributed $4,740 to organisations making a real difference in the Christchurch region.
The recipient organizations were carefully selected by Craigs Christchurch branch staff, who came together to identify charities where they could make a genuine community impact. Their chosen beneficiaries - One Mother to Another, Tamai Sports, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Christchurch Aunties - each received $1,185 to support their vital work in our community.
Craigs Workplace Giving allows employees to donate a portion of their monthly paycheque to support charities in their local community. Craigs matches these donations, up to $500 per employee per year. Now in its sixth year, Craigs Workplace Giving has collectively donated $944,000 to charities nationwide.
Craigs have been supporters of the Community Foundation movement in Aotearoa since the early 2000s. As a founding principal sponsor of Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand (CFANZ), they've helped nurture a network that now encompasses 18 community foundations nationwide. All around the country, these foundations play a vital role in fostering local philanthropy, building stronger communities, and creating sustainable positive change.
For One Mother to Another, the donation couldn't have come at a better time. The funds will support whānau spending their holiday season in hospital. "While most families are enjoying the summer, hundreds of others will be spending their days in hospital, watching over their newborn in a neonatal unit or staying with their child in a paediatric ward," Joy Reid shares, CEO and Co-Founder. The donation will help provide care packages that offer meaningful support and remind recipients they're not alone in their struggle.
Craigs Investment Partners team volunteering with One Mother to Another
The impact is equally meaningful at Big Brothers Big Sisters, where the donation has already made a difference in young lives. In November, the team were able to match Oceana with her Big Sister Catt, funding their mentoring program for six months. This match provides Oceana with weekly opportunities for activities, learning, and most importantly, consistent support from a caring mentor. “Oceana and Catt are really looking forward to walks, to go swimming, visiting libraries, playing games, making crafts, being active but most of all being together!” says Faye Higgins, Manager / Kaiwhakahaere of the Christchurch team.
Oceana and Catt
Looking ahead to the new school year, The Christchurch Aunties will use the donation to support their Back-to-School Campaign. "Breaking cyclical harm and poverty has to happen through education," explains Jessie Manney, Relationship Manager. "Starting back to a new school year is so expensive for many of our families, and this is one way we can support them."
The Christchurch Aunties will be using the donation for their 'Back to School' campaign
Tamai Sports will continue their important work of removing barriers to sports participation for local tamariki. Operating in Christchurch East, they provide transport, uniforms, equipment, and access to positive coaching mentors, ensuring young people can fully engage in sporting activities regardless of their circumstances. “'We are beyond grateful for this support from Craigs Investment Partners as we rely on the generosity of sponsors and funders to run the Tamai Sports programme,” says Tarns Bethell, Trustee.
Tamai Sports in action
Craigs Investment Adviser Tara McHardy thanked the Christchurch Foundation. “We value working with the Christchurch Foundation to support organisations that are making a real impact during challenging times. Their community insight is invaluable in ensuring our donations benefit local charities effectively.”
Lynne Umbers, Interim General Manager of The Christchurch Foundation, expressed appreciation for Craigs commitment to local giving. “We are delighted to support the Craigs team to distribute the funds raised through their workplace giving program, locally to charities, which will make such a difference in our community.”
The success of Craigs workplace giving program demonstrates how businesses can make a meaningful difference in their communities through structured giving programs. The Christchurch Foundation is proud to facilitate this impactful initiative that connects generous corporate donors with organisations working at the grassroots level to support our community, and welcomes other interested businesses to get in touch.