Company | Community Involvement
Community Involvement
Philanthropy
Colmar Brunton supports the community in many different ways. Some of these are described here. Our staff also undertake pro bono work for selected organisations and make personal contributions on a range of projects.
2006 Philanthropy Project - Habitat for Humanity
Some years ago, our CEO, John Shanahan, was involved in taking some tradespeople to Mongolia to build a hospital. When he returned, many people expressed an interest in becoming involved if ever such a project emerged. He was on the lookout for something to fit the bill.......and Habitat for Humanity came along.
Since 2004 we have been working with Habitat For Humanity in East Timor. They originated in the US and are now working in many countries. Jimmy Carter is a key supporter and has helped accelerate the organisation to become a major contributor.
We were attracted to this organisation as we find the idea of creating something tangible, like a home for someone, particularly attractive. East Timor is one of the world's poorest nations with more than 42% living below the poverty line, which is by UN standards less than US$1 per day.
During 2005 our donations contributed to over 120 completed homes for the East Timorese. From Krispy Kreme doughnut sales to crazy hair days, from Home Brew to pub crawls, Colmar Brunton staff threw themselves into the opportunity to make a difference! As well as funding the building of houses, we actually visit East Timor, roll up our sleeves, pick up hammers and work alongside the locals to build their homes. We get to know the families and the community we are supporting.
Habitat for Humanity is very excited about our involvement and are hoping to build on our initiative to create a similar opportunity for other companies.
Other causes we have supported include:
- A Christmas toy drive for orphanages in East Timor
- The Abused Child Trust
- Rainbow Kids
- The Christina Noble Children's Foundation Hospital in Mongolia
- The Wheelchair Sports Association
- RMIT Food Science Group
- Jeans for Genes Day
- Children's Medical Research Institute
- The Children's Hospital Fund
- Westmead Children's Hospital - Bear Cottage a Home for Kids with Cancer (Colmar Brunton Kitchen)
- Special Children's Christmas Party
Sponsorships
For the last two years Colmar Brunton has participated in the 100km Oxfam walk. Starting this year 2006 we have increased our support of Oxfam to provide them with professional surveys and data collection services.
We have also sponsored events run by associations and industry bodies including:
- AMSRS
- AMI
- Customer Service Council
- Monash University
- International Quality and Productivity Centre (IQPC)
Pro-bono Work
Our staff are encouraged to participate in local pro-bono work and have undertaken research projects on behalf of:
- The National Stroke Foundation
- The Breast Cancer Institute of Australia
- Leukemia Foundation
Community Education
Colmar Brunton's Senior Executives regularly contribute to public and industry education about market research, through public presentations, articles, lecturing at universities and coaching at industry seminars and conferences.