Why it's Great to Give

It’s just a hunch, but I’ll bet by the time you’re sitting down to read this you’ve already had a busy week. Work, life, running around after kids, maybe running a business. It’s nuts! Your to-do-list seems to keep growing as you pursue a successful, fulfilling life. Then, sometimes, it can all stop quite suddenly when serious illness strikes someone you know or love.

Life forces you to take stock and remember what matters most — health, family, relationships and basic comforts.

This is why it’s great to give.

Whether you’re an individual or business owner, the benefits of contributing to your community through charities and not-for-profits (NFPs) are enormous. Of course, it can be tax effective too. Not only can your donation or sponsorship make a real difference and possibly even change lives. If you’re in business, it sets the tone for your business values. It promotes a positive vibe among employees, customers and the community. It creates peace of mind for the person or people in need — and the giver.

Charlie’s Run 4 Kids (or CR4K) is a wonderful example of community and local business joining forces to help create peace of mind for a family in need. It was founded by Charlotte Carr in 2013. Charlie was eight years old, and her mission was to raise money for the paediatric oncology unit at John Hunter Children’s Hospital to make it more kid-friendly. Charlie lost her battle with neuroblastoma in 2015, but her legacy has become an annual event. Participants cover 150 kilometres over five days from Seal Rocks to Dudley and each year a different child is the focus of the event.

This year CR4K raised money for the family of little Arlo Matthews. At four months old he was diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer in his bladder and prostate. Arlo has chemotherapy at John Hunter Children’s Hospital while his dad Chad works seven days a week to support the family. His mum Nicole is at Arlo’s side, often in isolation due to infection risk. Grandparents help look after three brothers and sisters at home. As you can imagine, it’s tough going.

Money raised by CR4K will help take the pressure off the family while Arlo fights to get better.

A number of local businesses, including DFK Crosbie, are proud sponsors of CR4K. It’s a great example of how individuals and businesses can make a difference for local families in need. Our particular sponsorship goes to the Child Life Therapy Department at John Hunter Children's Hospital. It helps fund a child life therapist, who helps kids and families stay calm while they go through stressful procedures.

As leading accountants and business advisers, we work with a large number of registered charities and clubs, NFPs, small-to-medium businesses and individuals, and so I know first-hand that donations and sponsorships have a big impact on the people on both sides of the balance sheet.

Whether you’re an individual or business owner, I encourage you to set up an active program of community giving. I suspect you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the resulting peace of mind.