Login
iscover
The Harcourts Foundation, the charitable arm of Harcourts, has reached the admirable milestone of $5 million raised since its launch in 2008 through Harcourts offices in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
The said amount translates to 686 charities supported, 311 communities impacted and 851 grants made.
The foundation is funded through Harcourts employee salary sacrifice and "off the top" contributions from sales commissions as well as through organised fundraisers.
The Harcourts Foundation coordinator Julia Eyles said that the achievement is about more than just the dollars raised.
“The money raised is significant, but what truly is impressive is how Harcourts people are impacting our communities,” Ms Eyles said.
“From supporting programs to end violence against women and aiding underprivileged families to creating a network of financial support for hospice care... Those grants support a wide range of local community organisations that are quietly going about their work, making a difference in the lives of those who need it.”
Ms Eyles said that the foundation operates as a 100 per cent charity, with all funds raised going directly to grants. This, she said, is due to the volunteer-run structure that sees Harcourts employees donate their time and expertise to oversee and administer the process.
She said that no management fees, salaries or running costs are taken from the donation account.
Harcourts managing director Mike Green lauded the foundation.
“We are incredibly proud of the work The Harcourts Foundation has done over the past nine years,” the managing director said.
“The Foundation is at the heart of our company’s core values, and it is an important part of our success as an international network. Every location in which there is a Harcourts office, there are people in need. We are grateful to be able to give back and make a difference.”
Australia, NZ, RSA
In Australia, the foundation has supported two major recipients on a national level — White Ribbon Australia and beyondblue — and granted more than 326 community grants around the country.
In New Zealand, the foundation recently announced the Hospice NZ Grants Programme, which gives hospices around the country the opportunity to apply for grants to purchase much-needed items.
The Hospice NZ Grants Programme was launched at founding hospice Mary Potter Hospice in Wellington.
Launched in 2011, the South African arm of the foundation is making a significant difference helping communities across South Africa.
One hundred per cent of Harcourts South Africa sales offices donate to the foundation with the sale of each property and through specially organised events.
Of all the efforts undertaken in the past six years to help disadvantaged families and children, the signature events is African Angels, Ride for Education.
Newsletter
