Best of People with Purpose
Posted on 18 Dec 2023
The charity and not-for-profit sector is filled with people determined to make a difference.
Best of People with Purpose
Posted on 18 Dec 2023
By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia
The charity and not-for-profit sector is filled with people determined to make a difference.
Since the launch of the Community Advocate earlier this year, we’ve tried to shine a light on their efforts through our weekly People with Purpose profiles.
From the tireless efforts of George McDonald, who is still giving back to the community aged in his 90s, to Orange Sky mobile laundry volunteer Annmarie Lambert and Good Karma Network founder Amy Churchouse, each is out on the frontline contributing in their own way.
Here’s a recap featuring some words of wisdom from a few of our People with Purpose class of 2023.
By George, there's still work to be done
“Be inspired, have your say, get involved.”
“Working with great volunteers, a fantastic service provider and making awesome friends has been life changing.”
“At its core, MSF is about one person reaching out to another in their greatest time of need."
"We know what works and have a proud record of developing innovative service models to change young lives for the better."
"Fundraising and marketing are really quite similar to commercial radio. You’re basically trying to get people to love you or your cause – only we’re chasing donations not ratings."
"I am always inspired by the work and commitment of others who are working to create positive change in our world."
"The resilience and tenacity of NFPs are highly motivating, along with the commitment to changing lives, providing opportunities, and lifting the aspirations of people and communities."
"Their cause really resonated with me. I believe kids deserve to be kids, living their best lives, without the stresses of adult life intruding on that."
"We are so disconnected and, it seems, oblivious to the different narratives that are keeping us polarised. We need to come back together and remember that we are all human and have the same basic needs."
"By providing the rescued food free of charge, we enable charities to save their money and reinvest it in other services like health and wellbeing programs, counselling, and financial relief services."
“I’m really strong on the idea that if you’ve got the ability to work, to volunteer or to be on a board, then you’ve got a responsibility to contribute.”
"For those NFPs that have or seek government funding, governments at all levels are increasingly requiring their contractors to align to their climate action policies and demonstrate their environmental action."
"The protection of children's rights requires a commitment to creating a society where every child can grow up happy, safe, and strong."
"Effective communication skills should be in the toolkit of every leader. NFPs are no different."
"For the wider community Edgar’s Mission gives people a chance to visit the sanctuary and meet or learn the stories of the former farm animals who live here."
"Public and social housing often represents a pocket of social disconnection, exclusion, and economic disadvantage."
"I have an amazing role at Infoxchange, helping not-for-profits of all sizes find ways to use digital technologies more effectively and undertake a digital transformation."
"Much good work is undertaken by community-based NFP organisations, yet their work is seriously overlooked."
"Helping newcomers to feel welcome and included requires us to see their humanity – to acknowledge their differences and to embrace them with curiosity and understanding."
"We want to provide an affordable and usable platform to support businesses to measure their emissions and actually reach net zero.”
More People with purpose stories