Volunteering initiative proves ‘phenomenal’ for all involved

A day out of the office volunteering for their chosen organisation was enjoyed immensely by BDO Gisborne staff. From left are consultant Pete Jarratt, BDO Gisborne chief operating officer Kris Karauria and Gisborne Volunteer Centre service adviser Ros Faulkner. The company plans to make it a regular event. Picture by Liam Clayton

Staff from the Gisborne branch of accountants BDO hope they will inspire other companies here to follow their lead after stopping work for a day to help local volunteer organisations.

BDO consultant Pete Jarratt said the initiative turned out to be a “phenomenal” day for all involved.

“There is a mindset of helping people in Gisborne — that’s what we do — but to do it in an organised way and to do it together and then get the feedback from each other and share that experience was phenomenal.”

About 65 people from the company’s staff of 80 took part.

Each chose a service to volunteer for.

“By volunteering you benefit yourself and that’s the feedback we had from the staff,” Mr Jarratt said.

BDO chief operating officer Kris Karauria said the initiative would become a regular fixture.

“At the heart of it we have a vision around people helping people to achieve their dreams.

“The thing that’s always resonated with me is that’s never just been about staff, the clients and the fact we have been around for 100 years.

“We clearly have a presence and I just felt like we didn’t leverage that in a way that really showed impact . . . especially after the cyclone. It just felt like a really good opportunity.”

Mr Karauria said after talking with Gisborne Volunteer Centre and some volunteer organisations, it was clear everybody was looking for help.

“We are now talking about not only how we make this an ongoing thing but how we make sure it’s organic.”

GVC volunteer service adviser Ros Faulkner said volunteering was a win-win for everyone.

“There are so many facets to volunteering and it’s just so good for everybody.”