46 . Glasgow Business December 2014


“Businesses have an opportunity to grow their networks, reach audiences and share health messages” >


> Continued from page 45


in our combined efforts to beat cancer sooner.” Testicular cancer awareness


charity the John Hartson Foundation (JHF) was set up by the former professional footballer following his 2009 batle with the illness which spread to his lungs and brain and leſt him fighting for life. John wanted to highlight the


importance of self-checking for symptoms and raise funds to help people who have cancer and their families, during a very difficult time in their lives. JHF Fundraising Manager UK,


Libby Emmerson, said: “For us, it’s not only about raising money, but also awareness, and we welcome the opportunity to work with companies that can help us achieve those aims. “Being involved can benefit


business in a number of ways. We call our supporters Hartson’s Heroes – they make up the backbone of the John Hartson Foundation and taking on a challenge for us can not only motivate staff and help them to work as a team, but it also gives them a huge sense of personal achievement. “Staff can also see how the


company’s support benefits the charity, which can give them a sense of pride in the organisation for which they work. Businesses also have an opportunity to grow their networks, reach new audiences and help share an important health awareness message with their workforce and beyond.” Business can also help increase


the profile of a particular charity. Te International Glaucoma Association, for example, says that companies can help not only raise funds, but also raise awareness. “We would like to work with


businesses to further our goals of reaching the 50 per cent of people who are estimated to have glaucoma, without realising it,” says Karen Brewer, Head of Marketing and PR with the International Glaucoma Association. “We are active in Scotland,


and have a group of commited volunteers who help to increase awareness and raise funds for the organisation. But more needs to be done, and businesses can help.” Of course there is no end of


options for a company to get involved in a charitable or philanthropic enterprise. Jim McVean is CEO and


Batalion Secretary of the Boys’ Brigade in Glasgow, and he said


RED FOR SUPPORT


British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland has a fun way for people at work to raise funds. On 6 February it is asking people to show their support by wearing red and hosting an event to support its life-saving research. “Whoever you are doing it for, and whatever


you decide to wear, you can get involved in your workplace, school or with friends and family,” said Marjory Wood from BHF Scotland.


that by engaging through event sponsorship or financial support, companies can align themselves with the same positive values of a charitable organisation. “Te Boys’ Brigade is built on


key principles which I’m sure companies would be keen to support,” he said. “We’re an ethical and moral organisation and what we do helps to mould good citizens. “By geting involved, our city’s


companies ultimately benefit by being able to employ boys who have come through the BB, and our training does tend to lead to a skillset which is beneficial to companies.” Despite all the benefits to a


company, the Charities Aid Foundation’s Growing Giving report says that the levels of charitable giving have fallen over the past 10 years. Perhaps your company can help to reverse that trend, and boost your business in the process.


HOW TO GET TEAMS INVOLVED


» Research suitable charities: Have several causes or specific charities in mind before you introduce the idea to your employees, and make sure they align with your company’s values and are responsibly managed. The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (www.oscr.org.uk) is the independent regulator for more than 23,000 Scottish charities, including community groups, religious charities, schools and universities, grant- giving charities and major care providers. » Brainstorm together: Get the whole team involved in the process of choosing a charity and ask for their suggestions about causes which align with your company’s goals and ethics. You can then take a vote to determine the favourites. » Be transparent: Make sure you explain clearly what the motivations are and what the company’s goals are. The more you share with your employees the more likely they are to buy into the charitable goals and get enthused to contribute. » What’s in it for them? Think about the rewards your own staff could get from donating their time or energy to a charitable cause. Can you provide a free T-shirt, a picnic, or entertainment as a reward and to help to boost morale and a sense of teamwork and achievement? » It’s not compulsory: You could risk alienating certain staff if you strong-arm them into participating in something they don’t want to do, or ask them to take part in an event which is outside their normal working hours. Let them decide.


CHARITY CAN START WITH COFFEE


Getting your staff involved in a charitable enterprise could be as simple as having a cup of coffee – as long as the coffee in question is helping to sustain economic development in its country of origin. Trading company and development charity Traidcraft has teamed up with the Scotland Malawi Partnership to make sure that is the case, promoting Malawian


Mzuzu coffee to Scottish businesses. Jane Riley, Supporter Development Manager at Traidcraft, said: “By signing up to supply their staff with Mzuzu coffee, companies can help create a feel good factor for employees, be a part of the special Scotland-Malawi partnership, and benefit Malawi’s sustainable development – and it’s delicious!”


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