Community & Fundraising
We have a policy of supporting and sponsoring all local fetes, schools, sporting groups, festivals and community groups. We haven’t knocked one back yet. People come to us because they know we have great quality, and they won’t be turned away. We do try to get the most out of all these situations by sending banners and cards promoting our business. My belief is that you certainly ought to put back in to the community you live in.
Down the track I have plans to turn the shop into a community type venture, with my goal to give back 50% of the net profits to community and charitable causes. This is great in theory, however I have to work myself into a position where I can afford to begin this, as with my current commitments it is only something I can plan for. Because my staff know I want to help people, they make donations from the shop without my input or approval, this has shown me that my aims and goals are rubbing off on them, or most likely with my staff, it is one of their dreams to help people as well.
As a sideline though, since September 2003 I have been fundraising selling wine barrels and have so far raised over $30,000 to go towards good causes. Not all of this money has been allocated yet, but I have listed below some of the donations.