Windsor Volunteer Program

As part of its on-going commitment to making worthy commitments to the nonprofit sector, the Windsor Group has now introduced a new Staff Volunteer program.

Essentially, this means that the company releases individual staff members for about three hours each month so that they can contribute time, energy and expertise to a nonprofit program of their choice.  But typically of Windsor staff, these business volunteers tend to also contribute quite significantly of their personal time as well.

Members of staff are free to choose ‘a pet charity’ according to personal preference.

Fitted for Work
Electing to become involved with the Fortitude Valley-based ‘Fitted for Work’ initiative, Executive Assistant Trish Flintoff and Consultant Deborah Emery led the enthusiastic charge to ‘give back’ to their community.

Originally begun in Victoria, Fitted for Work is a service committed to helping long term unemployed and disadvantaged women obtain work, maintain employment and ultimately achieve financial independence.

Part of the remit – and a part that our two Windsor ambassadors really enjoy  - is in putting together outfits from fashion items generously donated by well-wishers– to see their clients perfectly presented for that all-important foray into the corporate world.

Trish said: ‘Having returned to the fulltime workforce after a period of time, I’m a great believer in giving back to the community and others the generosity extended to me.’

She finds that Fitted for Work is one avenue where this is possible and where women in the workforce can give time, encouragement and professional skills to others. 

‘The joy on someone’s face, after being ‘fitted out’ in clothing which transforms the individual, is a wonderful thing to see!’ she says.

Deborah is also full of enthusiasm: ‘Volunteering for Fitted for Work is a fantastic opportunity to make a real, positive difference in our local community. The fact that we are given time during business hours to do it is a bonus.’

‘It’s great to be able to apply my knowledge and industry experience to assist clients to re-enter the workforce. And it really is so delightful  to be able to watch someone grow in self confidence and realize all that they have to offer their next workplace,’ she says. 

The Developing Foundation

You may recall from an earlier story on the Windsor website, how Consultant Anne Cameron recently did The Riverwalk for The Developing Foundation with several of her colleagues from Windsor.

The Developing Foundation is an organisation that raises funds to support the families of children with brain injuries.

Anne says that the recent walkathon she completed with Consultant Kristen FunnelI and other friends raised over $100,000 to be distributed among 23 Brisbane families who are helped by this nonprofit organisation.

In a letter of thanks one mother thanked ‘Anne and friends’ for their ‘thoughtfulness, generosity and energy ‘in support of her beautiful son.’ – a response that Anne found both moving and gratifying.

‘I didn’t consider myself a particularly charitable person. But when I went to meeting and saw with my own eyes the huge toll that caring for a brain damaged child can take on a young mother, I was moved to tears … and I decided to do something to help.’

For more information about the Developing Foundation please visit this website link: www.developingfoundation.org.au