Yep, got it.
In communities such as ours, we all know each other, we all support the same events, and we all give our time and finances to community services. But we have to admit, it’s getting hard to differentiate one business from another.
So why become involved?
Other than the obvious “doing good” for your community, it’s often hard to establish the direct benefit to your company in giving to community causes.
It is essential to have the community interacting together and working towards common goals. So while spot donations are an invaluable and incredibly generous source of help, we at St Laurence believe that if we are not proactive about developing these ‘sponsorships’ into a two-way ongoing relationship, then this relationship could end prematurely, resulting in little benefit to the company offering sponsorship, and no long-term advantage for the community services provider.
The bottom line is Corporate Social Responsibility is only beneficial to both parties if the marketplace is aware of this partnership. That’s why here at St Laurence Community Services we’re adopting a whole new philosophy to our partners in the community. We want to shout out to the community about those that generously donate, and allow our sponsors the opportunities to tap into our community resources. Basically, we want our sponsors and their customers to know how truly appreciated they are.
Use our events as your own events. Invite guests on your behalf that will not only benefit the community partnership, but your business in itself. Jump on board our media communications to send out important messages to your communities. Be included in our advertising features. There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for our community partners. We know sponsorship is an important two-way relationship and we won’t shy away from it.
This year, we’re celebrating a 10 year partnership with Ryrie Office Machines as our Major Partner. Keith Greenwood and his team have been committed to making a difference in our community by offering invaluable financial support and services to St Laurence.
Keith really puts back into the community and is happy to help out in any way he can. Some of the organisations he has personally helped out with include St Laurence, Relay for Life, Singing in the Rain Centre Stage Geelong, The Naval Association., and Kardinia International College. Keith and his team are always doing their part for the Geelong community.
Ryrie Office Machines (est. for over 30 years) are dedicated to helping your business grow with the times and are highly recommended by us here at St Laurence. Ryrie Office Machines work hard to gain understanding of your organisation and your particular needs, and only then will they put forward solutions on ways to cut costs, simplify your faxes, printers, scanners, copiers, email, mail outs, and paper handling needs.
“We cannot be more grateful to Keith and his team at Ryrie Office Machines for their financial donations over the years to help St Laurence to continue to operate valuable community programs”. “Through this relationship, we have also tapped into the services offered at Ryrie Office Machines, and now trust Keith and his team with servicing our entire organisation”. Toby oConnor, St Laurence CEO.
So, what have your donations done for you and your customers lately?
Whilst we certainly commend those of you in the community that make donations irrespective of direct benefit back to you and your company, we believe true community goodwill stems from working cohesively together to support each other in the community.
From a community services organisation perspective, keeping these partnerships as interactive and interconnected as possible, and ensuring sponsors are well looked after, will lead to long term investment into community initiatives. And from the perspective of the company generously donating funds, utilising the resources offered to them for their own business’ sake will ensure regular successes within this community they are supporting.
Looking for an opportunity to get your business out there?
Now here comes the sales pitch.
St Laurence’s annual (newly named for the benefit of all you Geelong supporters!) ‘Blue & White Ball’, being held July 6, is looking for sponsors to support this event and to utilise this event to wine and dine your own customers, workforce, family and friends.
The ‘Blue & White Ball’ is going to become part of the landscape of the Geelong community around this time every year. So be sure to shout about your Corporate Social Responsibility and get on board as a partner to this event from the very beginning.
And don’t forget, we’re all about partnering with our community sponsors and working out a package that is equally beneficial to both parties.
Contact me today to discuss how your company can benefit from this function, fundraising for the community, and ongoing support opportunities.
See also this link for a quick snapshot on why CSR is good for you: Corporate Social Responsibility brochure.pdf
Jenny Sheahan
jenny.sheahan@stlaurence.org.au
0417 641 516