Giving back: Craigs’ Workplace Giving tops $1 million in donations

Craigs Investment Partners and its employees have reached an inspiring milestone in its Workplace Giving programme, with total donations over six years exceeding $1 million. In time for Christmas, $200,000 has been distributed to charities across New Zealand, continuing a strong tradition of giving back and supporting the communities in which it operates.

A growing culture of giving

Craigs’ Workplace Giving programme enables employees to donate a portion of their monthly pay to support charities, with Craigs matching contributions up to $500 per employee annually. Since 2020, at least $150,000 has been donated each year to community groups across its nationwide network of branches.

Craigs’ CEO, Simon Tong, explains the growth of the programme. “Our people are so supportive of the programme that employee contributions and Craigs’ matching means that this year we’ve distributed $200,000 to community organisations throughout New Zealand.”

Nationwide impact

“This year we have collectively supported 94 charities nationwide. We have seen first-hand the impact our contributions are having and it’s something our people are proud to continue,” Tong adds.

Nearly 300 employees across 20 branches participate in Workplace Giving, with each branch distributing their funds to charities within their region. As a kiwi-grown business, Craigs places immense value on supporting the local communities in which its people live and work.

Local knowledge, local impact

Workplace Giving donations are held and distributed by the Acorn Foundation, one of 18 Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand of which Craigs is a founding partner.

Craigs’ Head of People and Performance, Angie Smith, explains the distribution process: “Our local Craigs’ branches work with the Community Foundation in their area to determine where our donations will have the greatest impact. Their community insight is invaluable in ensuring our donations benefit local charities effectively.”

Beyond financial support

In addition to financial contributions, Craigs supports community engagement through its  ‘Craigs Community Day’, offering employees a paid day of volunteer leave each year. Smith says since it was introduced two years ago, the Craigs Community Day’ has been popular with employees.

“Our people have embraced the Craigs Community Day, contributing their time and energy in meaningful ways, from assembling food parcels and nurse packs, to fundraising for heartfelt causes, preparing meals, restoring public spaces, weeding, pest control, planting trees, and even helping to relocate a safe house,” said Smith.

Expanding philanthropic impact

Craigs has recently expanded its commitment to philanthropic impact by appointing prominent philanthropy sector executive Arron Perriam as Director, Philanthropy and Intergenerational Wealth. The newly created role strengthens the firm’s capability in areas that matter to clients like legacy, values, and long-term philanthropic impact.

A collective achievement

Tong reflects, “Our staff are incredibly proud of the Workplace Giving programme. It’s gratifying to see the collective efforts of employees and the business making such a positive impact on deserving charities throughout the country.”

View the full list of charities supported by each branch below.

Learn more about Craigs’ community initiatives and your local Community Foundation.

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