Computershare and Workplace Giving

Workplace giving helps the RCH Foundation say yes right away to cutting-edge projects needing support at the hospital. It also guarantees support for future projects and initiatives.

Technology company Computershare were one the most generous workplace givers to the RCH Foundation in the 2019/2020 financial year, a proud accomplishment for this global company that has a long history of innovation and change making. Ann Bowering, CEO of Issuer Services Australia and New Zealand tells us why Computershare and its employees choose to support the RCH.

When did Computershare set up its Workplace Giving program?

Computershare has a long history of involvement in our communities – and supporting projects around the world through both volunteering and fundraising. Our workplace donations program, Change A Life, has been running since 2005, and we’ve supported 20 global projects and 15 local charities over the last 15 years.

How long has Computershare been supporting the RCH Foundation through workplace giving?

In 2017 we asked our employees from all around the world to vote for charities local to their offices. Our teams in the Abbotsford and Port Melbourne offices were particularly impressed with the RCH Foundation and chose it to receive their donations.

Why did Computershare employees choose to support the RCH Foundation?

In the initial stages of the local charity vote, our employees told us they would like to support a children’s charity. The majority voted for the RCH Foundation from a shortlist of children’s charities local to our offices here in Melbourne, and many of our staff had been involved in the Good Friday Appeal in the past. The RCH Foundation’s values of integrity, gratitude, innovation and excellence are aligned very closely with Computershare’s, and our team believe in its mission to change the future of children’s health.

What are the benefits for your employees to give in this way?

The employees who choose to opt into our workplace giving program donate before tax through payroll, and Computershare matches their donations dollar for dollar, which doubles the effect of their giving. We also give our Change A Life participants an opportunity to participate in global fundraising activities like our Trek Nepal initiative, which sees Computershare employees from around the world walking long distance across the Himalayas.

What would you say to others who are interested in supporting the RCH Foundation through a Workplace Giving program?

Our staff members are proud to support such an important organisation, and we’re always delighted to hear how our donations are working to improve the lives of young people and their families. We believe the RCH Foundation makes excellent use of the money by focusing on research, equipment, technology, leadership, education, training and the care of patients and their families. We’ve also really enjoyed attending the RCH Foundation’s breakfasts for corporate donors, where supporters such as Computershare can speak directly with the RCH Foundation’s team and learn more about their recent work.