Issue Two 2009
Europe / Middle East / Africa
Welcome to the second online edition of Macquarie in the Community. We welcome feedback on any aspect of our newsletter and invite you to contact us at foundation@macquarie.com. Printed copies are available on request from your regional contact. Helping Out By Cleaning Up
One man's trash is another man's treasure as the saying goes - and staff from the London, Hong Kong and New York offices have unearthed a trove of valuable items for many needy people recently. Mobile phones, sneakers, business clothing, hair cleaning products, toasters, towels and blankets are some of the items requested for donation to a range of community organisations as part of the Foundation's Spring Clean initiative. In London, charities putting these items to good use include mental health charity City and Hackney Mind, elderly poverty-fighting organisation Help The Aged and career development not-for-profit Dress For Success. What goes around can come around too and London staff who have donated used sneakers may be in contact with their old shoes again as the soles are used to resurface sporting venues through the Reuse-A-Shoe program. In Hong Kong, old clothes and toys will be delivered to orphanages in Uzbekistan, tissues and mini-shampoo and conditioners used for slum residents' hygiene and health classes will be sent to the Philippines, USB sticks and unwanted computer equipment will be distributed to charities in Hong Kong and old kettles and cutlery will be collected by other needy organisations across Asia. The New York office has also delivered practical support for those in need with ITG staff contributing two large boxes of full and travel-sized toiletries. Led by Valerie Fristachi, soap, shampoo, diapers and deodorant were collected and assembled into kits for donation to Children For Children, a NY-based not-for-profit organisation that encourages young people to engage in volunteering activities and community service from an early age. Children For Children have distributed the kits to domestic violence shelters in the city and surrounds as part of a recent ‘Products Of Hope' drive. |
Foundation newsMacquarie Group Foundation's long-term commitments and partnerships with community organisations are acknowledged within the philanthropic sector as being best practice. The following give an overview of a few of the partnerships. Mission AustraliaIn 2003, the Macquarie Group Foundation established a major partnership with Mission Australia through funding of the Research and Social Policy Unit. This research guides Mission Australia's policy development, ensuring its employment programs and community services continue to deliver to those most in need. Over the past six years the Foundation has donated more than $A2 million to the Unit. In addition to financial support, Macquarie staff have supported Mission Australia by providing volunteering, pro bono and fundraising assistance. Recently, the Human Resources Assessment and Development team ran skills workshops for homeless men in the areas of resume writing, cover letter preparation and personal presentation. The Graduate Volunteer Network ‘adopted' an early childhood service and raised much needed funds for a preschool program. Melbourne staff raised money for Mission Australia's Urban Quest - its version of Australian Idol. Each year Macquarie staff in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne donate more than 2,000 gifts to the Mission Australia Christmas Tree Appeal, with an estimated value of $A60,000. Streetwise OperaThe Macquarie Group Foundation is the Principal Corporate Supporter of Streetwise Opera in the UK, a partnership which reflects the importance both organisations place on the role of innovation in addressing social needs. Streetwise Opera works with more than 600 homeless people each year using music as a tool for building confidence, social networks and creativity. To achieve its goals, Streetwise Opera coordinates two programs: weekly workshops in 11 homeless centres around the UK and a large-scale annual production. The Foundation has committed to fund Streetwise Opera until 2011. The funding will cover the annual program of 500 weekly workshops and the 2008/09 annual production of My Secret Heart, Streetwise Opera's latest performance. London staff have volunteered with the charity, helping out at workshops and performances and providing consultation and advice on a pro bono re-branding. In May 2009 Streetwise Opera was presented with the Audience Development Award at the Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards. MovemberEach November, Macquarie staff around the world grow beards and moustaches, and those who are follicularly challenged hold costume competitions to raise money in support of men's health issues. Movember was established in 2004 to raise money and awareness around men's health issues, with a focus on prostate cancer and depression. Macquarie men have embraced Movember wholeheartedly. In 2008, 31 Macquarie teams in the US, UK and Australia combined for their most successful contribution to date, raising several hundred thousand dollars. This year the Foundation will be developing a global partnership with Movember and we are hoping for friendly competition between Macquarie offices. If you are planning on donning a “mo” this year, watch this space to find out how to register. For further information please contact Sally Shepherd at sally.shepherd@macquarie.com. |
Our Staff in the CommunityJDRF Money Spinners
Teams from Banking and Financial Services took part in the Sydney Spin to Cure Diabetes Challenge in Martin Place in April. Each five person team ‘spun' for 40 minutes in a stationary bike race to see who could accumulate the most mileage. The winning ‘Bike Stands' team rode an incredible 25.86km during the time limit to take out the ‘King Of Spin' trophy. Team ‘Tight and Bright' also deserve a special mention for taking out the best dressed team award. The day was a resounding success with 50 teams raising $A150,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through ongoing scientific research. Project Sunshine
The Corporate Affairs Group in New York are brightening up the lives of children and families living with medical challenges. After deciding to incorporate a community activity into their monthly staff meetings, the team chose Project Sunshine which provides free educational, recreational and social programs to kids in hospital. At one of their recent meetings, CAG staff assembled 30 ‘Sunny Grams' with uplifting messages and 75 craft kits for children to use while hospitalised or receiving medical treatment. The staff are now planning training sessions to enable them to visit and work with the children during their hospital stays. London Marathon
They ran fast and furiously for their charities but the 11 staff from London and Zurich who competed in the 2009 London Marathon were also spurred on by the fear of being beaten by numerous competitors in fancy dress, including the Pink Panther, Tarzan and a giant chicken. Staff chose to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Outward Bound Trust, WellChild, Alzheimer's Research and the Dystonia Society among others. Thousands of spectators lined the 26.2 mile course to cheer on 35,000 competitors in the shadow of landmarks such as Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace. Macquarie's runners raised a combined total of more than £18,000 for their charities, which will be matched by the Foundation. Students Excel In Soweto
Macquarie Securities in Cape Town have sponsored 15 children on the Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System program at Inkwenkwezi Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto since 2008. The program enhances creativity, cognitive skills, calculation skill and accuracy and time management in participating students. Recent testing reflected a marked improvement in the students' mathematics skills and the school's Headmaster has also reported an improvement in their self esteem and confidence. With class attendance rates also improving and an invitation for some students to attend the Association of Mathematics Education of South Africa Conference, the program has been a clear success. Youth Off The Streets - Paving The Streets With Gold
More than 50 staff from Sydney faced throngs of morning commuters and lunchtime crowds throughout the CBD to raise funds for Youth Off The Streets. As part of the ‘Pave The Streets With Gold' promotion, volunteers assisted with the collection and formation of paving squares of gold coins throughout Martin Place. Over A$40,000 was raised on the day to assist YOTS in its work with young people. Wig Night Out
After a friend's sister was diagnosed with cancer, Jernaine Nuguid from the Auckland office and her friends decided to host the Wig Night Out and Work Wig Day to raise money for the Starship Hospital and the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation. For a gold coin donation, staff could wear their wackiest wig, hat or bandana in support of cancer patients who lose their hair during cancer treatment. Events were held in the Macquarie office after work and at popular bar venues in Auckland, with proceeds to be matched by the Foundation. BUILDing A Better Future
Macquarie staff in the Chicago office are strong believers in supporting the charity BUILD in its efforts to help inner city youths avoid gangs and reach their potential. Macquarie staff, including John Kaphusman from Corporate Affairs Group who has joined the BUILD board as a director, recently attended BUILD's annual benefit with 300 other supporters including BUILD alumnus and Hollywood actor Freddy Rodriguez. Artworks created by the children BUILD assists were for sale at the event, with the creator of each illustration on hand to explain their masterpieces. A new fund designed to reduce youth violence in the city was also announced at the benefit. Community Activity In United Arab EmiratesMacquarie's staff in the Middle East will soon see an increase in community activity with the Middle East Community Advisory Committee now established. Chaired by Hajir Naghdy from Macquarie Capital, the Committee will steer and coordinate fundraising and community initiatives relevant to the Abu Dhabi and Dubai offices. The committee has representatives in both Middle East offices and their first fundraising initiative will be held in support of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees, in light of the recent refugee crisis in Pakistan. Minds Matter Annual Soiree
Fuelled by his passion to assist and mentor high achieving, low income high school students, Jishnu Guha from Risk Management in New York joined Minds Matter in 2005, where he served first as a mentor and later as the Co-Director of Volunteer Recruitment and Retention. At its recent annual soiree, more than $US125,000 was raised for this not-for-profit organisation that works closely with financially disadvantaged, academically capable and motivated students by helping them prepare for and apply to competitive national universities. The success of this program is reflected in its exceptional completion rate, where every student who has ever finished the program has been accepted into a four-year college or university. TRIP Canada
Alison Lacon from Macquarie Capital Markets in Toronto was determined to help those affected by the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka. With help from her colleagues and matching from the Foundation, Alison raised $C18,892 for TRIP Canada, a volunteer organisation that rebuilds homes and creates sustainable futures for Sri Lankans. Following her fundraising achievements, Alison travelled to Tangalle in Sri Lanka with TRIP Canada to assist a local family in rebuilding their home. Around $C3000 of Alison's raised funds went to support TRIP Canada's scholarship program for post-secondary students in the Tangalle area, including a one-year university scholarship and English classes for children at the village community centre. 400km In Four Days
Sean Kelly from Debt Sales in Sydney joined firefighters from across New South Wales in the 400 in 4 Charity Ride to raise money for the Burns Unit at the Children's Hospital at Westmead. Departing from Campbelltown Fire Station, the riders taking part in this challenge rode 400km in four days, passing through Goulburn, Yass and Gundagai on the way to their final destination of Wagga Wagga. Fire prevention and awareness demonstrations were presented to school groups at each town during breaks along the way. With a donation from Debt Markets combined with other fundraising and the Foundation's matching support, more than $A8300 was raised by Sean and his fire fighting friends. |
Regional news
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Contents |
 Laurie Cox, AO Chairman's messageIt is a pleasure to report that during the 2009 financial year the Macquarie Group Foundation and Macquarie staff donated more than $A25 million to 900 community organisations. In a year where the not-for-profit sector faced growing pressure to expand services in an increasingly uncertain financial climate, the Foundation increased its support by eight per cent over the previous year. This is an outstanding effort and reflects Macquarie's genuine and ongoing commitment to the communities in which we operate. Macquarie staff globally have enthusiastically increased their involvement in and awareness of community needs and the work of the Foundation in meeting these needs has seen the establishment of many new committees. These include a Central and Midwest Community Advisory Committee in the US which incorporates the new Houston office, a Community Advisory Committee for the United Arab Emirates and individual business-based community committees in Sydney from CAG, MFG, BFS and BSG. Many staff also offer their time, knowledge and expertise to the not-for-profit sector by providing pro bono support, board memberships and participating in volunteering activities. This is an excellent way to contribute to the sector and allows organisations to utilise skills that would not normally be available to them. Staff are congratulated on this contribution and I hope that you enjoy reading about some of these efforts highlighted in this issue of Macquarie in the Community. |
Staff profile |
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Joachim SuterAssociate DirectorMacquarie Funds GroupZurich OfficeMy day job is... working in MacCap’s Private Placement Group (PPG) in the Zurich office I got involved with the Chickenshed Theatre Trust because... they have a valuable and pretty unique contribution to the community. They run Children’s and Youth Theatre workshops for 600 people, education courses for over 100 students, community outreach projects and a network of satellite ‘Sheds’ across the country (and one in Russia) so even more can benefit. Every extraordinary piece of theatre created at Chickenshed shouts out the same thing: anyone can thrive in an environment where everyone is welcome. My community needs more... more volunteers and more funds for activities that contribute to the wellbeing of people in need. 85% of the costs to run The Chickenshed Theatre Trust’s activities are covered through donations. Staffing costs are high, as special qualifications are needed to deliver a programme that ensures everyone gets the support they deserve. I can help my community by... creating the awareness to achieve the necessary contributions, such as donations, volunteers or just visiting their great shows, to ensure the success of the charity activities. The people who inspire me are... passionate people with integrity and high ethical standards. I'm most proud of... my family. If everyone could just do one thing to make a difference what would it be? Raising everyone’s personal awareness for people in need. Final word... Luck and misfortune are close together. Most of us are in fortunate positions, but most often we forget. With small contributions from everyone, the situation of the ones in need can improve.
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Contact usFor more information on Macquarie Group Foundation activities, to submit a story for the next edition or for a printed copy of this newsletter please contact: Gail Cunningham, London
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