Since the first donation in 2007, the Foundation has given more than $23.9 million to charitable organisations across an ever-increasing range of causes.
Since the Foundation was established, its fundamental objective has remained unchanged: to give back to our communities and make a tangible difference to those less fortunate.
We do this primarily through financial donations but also by using the skills and passion of our people to help society through volunteering and individual fundraising.
In recent years, the Foundation has concentrated on specific themes and actively sought opportunities to assist organisations working in those areas where our funding and time could be focused to have the most impact.
The focus for 2024 was on charities that work to improve the lives of individuals and the well-being of communities. In 2023, we centred our efforts on environmental activities, and in 2022, the spotlight was on charitable organisations working to assist with societal issues, such as those experiencing homelessness.
The Donations Committee, made up of employees, meets quarterly to review donations that are up for renewal and submissions from staff for new charities in order to make recommendations to the Foundation Trustees.
The Nomination Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee monitors and makes recommendations to the Board on charitable giving and the operation of the Foundation.
The Project Transform initiative, first activated in 2010, was relaunched in 2023 following a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Project Transform offers employees the opportunity to volunteer overseas, and the 2024 trip was a return visit to Tanzania following a highly successful programme the previous year. We again partnered with International Volunteer HQ.