Businesses giving back

By Emma Sun
SMALL businesses in the Cardinia Shire are encouraged to get more involved in their local community.
The Bank of Queensland’s Straight Talk Survey showed that while a number of small businesses were donating their time and resources to lending a hand, almost three quarters indicated they wanted to be more involved.
While 80,000 volunteers had registered to assist those in need at the peak of the Queensland floods in January, the need for volunteers is still great.
Almost 50 per cent of businesses that are active in the community sponsor a local charity or team.
The question remains as to how volunteering can be made easier for other small businesses who want to give back to the community but struggle with time constraints.
Bank of Queensland’s Beaconsfield owner/manager Prasad Wijesundara said small businesses should be encouraged to investigate affordable donation alternatives which suited their time challenges.
“While many small business owners are time poor, there are a number of opportunities and avenues small businesses could investigate in order to play an active role within their communities,” he said.
“Giving away old business computers or printers which are no longer used or have been upgraded is one avenue. Donating a day is also a very effective way to contribute to the community.”