Leonie Fitzgerald, the Voice’s Tim McCallum & MC, Peter Fitzgerald
Lots of people and lots of businesses too, talk about social responsibility today. Sadly, for many it stops at talking about it. They love the idea of social responsibility, they’re just hoping that somebody else will take care of it for them. I believe that social responsibility is more than just a phrase.
The Definition Of Social Responsibility
It probably helps if I spend a few moments defining what social responsibility means to me, so that you can see where I am coming from.
Social responsibility is the understanding that our lives our immeasurably better for having a strong society around us and that in order for that society to exist and function effectively, we must play some part in that society. That means giving time, effort and/or money to things that may have no direct benefit to ourselves but which have genuine benefits for the wider community.
In the end as the community prospers, other people will do things that benefit us even if we can’t see it directly. Think of a neighbourhood watch scheme. It’s been shown that people walking around and keeping a watchful eye on things in a neighbourhood does deter thieves and does reduce antisocial behaviour. If you aren’t taking an active part in the scheme, you still benefit from it. That’s the beauty of strong societies – the benefits are tangible.
Taking social responsibility is your chance to give back to your community, to make it stronger and more supportive and in the long-term to build a nicer, brighter, world for you and yours.
What Do I Do?
Wealthology is my first passion but it is not my only passion. I fervently believe that if you want to make a difference in this world, you must be prepared to take a lead and be the change that you want to see. So, I have been involved in many community efforts over the years and am always looking for future opportunities to be part of.
Put your money where your mouth is, right? So, in my latest effort I did just that. I worked with Spinal Home Help to sponsor their recent fundraising event. Spinal Home Help works with people who work with those who have suffered spinal injuries to help them make the most of their lives.
Sponsoring the event helped Spinal Home Help raise quite a bit of money. As they said in their thank you letter, “Through our combined efforts, we raised a whopping $21 853.49 on the night. These funds will assist us to run our programs and services and also help to manage our campaign building Australia’s first SCI support and accommodation centre, to help people with SCI and their loved ones from metro and also especially rural areas of QLD.”
That’s the principle in action. I help Spinal Home Help and they, in turn, go on to help others. Those people will then be able to help more people and so on… social responsibility is powerful thing. A ripple in the pond can create real waves of positive change.
I encourage you, wherever you are, to be an agent of positive change in the community. Give your time, your effort and/or your money and make the world a better place to be. When we’re all in it together, life can be amazing.
# If you would like to donate or connect with SHH contact the team Here.
