Workplace Giving Program launched at UOW

Jun 04, 2007

Staff at the University of Wollongong are being given the chance to make a real difference in their community by making regular voluntary donations to charity through their fortnightly pay.

The 'UOW Cares' program was launched today (Monday 4 June) and allows staff to contribute to one or more of their favourite charities to ensure regular, stable and on-going funding for a range of vital community organisations.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton, praised the leadership and involvement of UniAdvice's Office of Community and Partnerships and the 'UOW Cares' Steering Committee and said he was very proud to see so many people in attendance.

"The support being shown here today really does say something about the heart of this university," he said.

"This is another opportunity for UOW to give back and it highlights our commitment to community engagement."

Chief Executive Officer of The Smith Family (a social enterprise focused on children and education), Elaine Henry, was special guest speaker at the event.

"I am very proud to be part of this launch and I congratulate Professor Sutton's leadership and commitment to making this program happen," she said.

"We have found that people in the community truly do want to give to a variety of causes and this program will make that much easier."

Following an extensive review, eight charities and two UOW causes have been chosen to reflect staff preference for giving.

These include The Smith Family, The Cancer Council, The Fred Hollows Foundation, Autism Spectrum, the Australian Conservation Foundation, Oxfam Australia, Indigo Foundation, RSPCA, UOW Equity Scholarships and UOW Community-related Research. Donating through the workplace will allow UOW staff to:

* Receive a tax deduction without the need to keep receipts for tax purposes

* Receive an immediate tax benefit from their pay

* Make a donation decision without pressure from fundraisers

* Make an important contribution to the community

Staff are able to choose how much they wish to donate, with even the smallest donation making a difference. For example, if just 10% of University staff donate $5 a fortnight from their pay, an extra $23,400 per annum will be raised. If 50% donate that amount, $117,000 will be raised.

Payment is made as a lump sum from the University, reducing processing and administration costs for the community group which means that 100% of the donation goes directly to supporting the cause.

For further information: Contact Leanne Crouch or Jan Sullivan on 02 4221 3110