B4 CHARITY
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Claire Styles, Director of WILA Group explains the importance of WILA’s corporate social responsibility of giving to charity.
Supporting good causes in times of economic downturn may seem unrealistic, especially when many companies continue to cut nonessential expenditure. However, these challenging times are when many charities most need support, as their income streams are impacted by supporters’ reduced ability or willingness to give. In terms of return on investment, this can be one of the best times to support charities, when giving has the greatest impact on charities’ ability to deliver their services. The demand for many charities’ services has also increased due to growing pressures on their beneficiaries.
Claire says “Making a difference to a charity or a good cause can be achieved in several ways, including giving or raising money, in kind support, or giving time through volunteering. Some companies are deterred from engaging in charitable support due to concerns about not being able to ‘do enough’ or the impact on their business when all energies are focused on improving the bottom line. However, a great deal of the most rewarding support is offered on an achievable level and still delivers valuable benefits on both sides. For WILA benefits can include improved employee
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engagement, morale, recruitment and retention; team building opportunities; positive publicity and more. These benefits can be all the more valuable in challenging times. The key to successful support is identifying what you can and can’t do, recognising the potential benefits for both parties and working together to ensure that we achieve them.”
“The key to successful support is identifying what you can and can’t do, recognising the potential benefits for both parties ” “WILA has been working with Helen & Douglas House since June 2010, following the company’s involvement with The Grand Event, a fundraising event at Grove Technology Park in August 2009. As well as visits to Helen & Douglas House by WILA directors, the charity has met with staff members
to present its work and talk about ways in which they can become more involved in supporting the charity. The company has underwritten its support with a £5,000 donation, equivalent to 33 days of a nurse providing one to one care to children and young adults at the charity’s hospice for children and young adults in East Oxford. Through the company’s links with Alchester Rugby Club, fundraising for the hospice is also taking place alongside one of the club’s cup games” says Vanessa Fay, Corporate Fundraising Manager, Helen & Douglas House. Vanessa adds “WILA’s commitment in supporting Helen & Douglas House offers a fantastic opportunity to work together in attaining the benefits WILA aims to achieve from its charitable support. Equally importantly, it is delivering lasting benefits for many young people and families supported by Helen & Douglas House. Each year, the charity provides respite, emergency and end of life care for over 300 children and young adults from Oxfordshire and the neighbouring counties, as well as a diverse range of support for their families. This couldn’t be achieved without the support of local companies like WILA.” www.wila.com
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