One of the best things about the business I am in is that it has a strategy to increase its social footprint to improve Whanganui and, more directly, groups of people in the community who need assistance. This comes in many forms and we will always encourage our staff to give their time and effort for good causes but, more importantly, contribute to strengthening our community.
For example, we are proud of our association and support of the Cancer Society. Cancer is a personal thing for many of us and our 'work family' is not immune – this will be an ongoing health challenge until a cure is found. Our team put in fabulous effort to support the Society via a number of events throughout the year.
Our Partners also sit on Boards which provide support and strength to the business community and 'not for profits' like schools and clubs.
I believe that this is crucial as it positively builds the culture of our business internally but also provides an avenue so that we can give back, even in a small way.
Last week marked the beginning of something new in this regard which has been in development over the last year. In partnership with Atihau Whanganui Incorporation and Deloitte, Balance offered a scholarship for aspiring accounting students. There is some satisfaction from getting this off the ground because it offers an opportunity for local and regional Maori commerce students to get support and the experience of working with us and the world leading 'Big 4' firm Deloitte. It is also a reflection of the deep and longstanding relationship we have with Atihau Whanganui Incorporation.
