As the countdown to Christmas and the gift giving season continues, we pause to reflect on how each of us can help those less fortunate.

Is there anything better than having the ability to ‘give back’ to our community? Often, we don’t think about the vast amount of skills and resources that are at our fingertips that enables us to help others, even in the smallest of ways.

Woven has a proud history of motivating our staff to use their talents and resources to give back to the community we serve. Most recently, this has involved Woven engaging in pro bono work for The Kickstart Project, a Melbourne based not-for-profit organisation committed to providing a brighter future for students in Kenya through education, health and sustainable solutions.

Why The Kickstart Project?

Besides the obvious (see above), we’re incredibly passionate about the charity’s commitment to the holistic implementation of its projects and programs. This sees locals heavily involved in implementing sustainable solutions on the ground. The Kickstart Project also operates with a focus on efficiency relating to project management, fundraising and resource development. An incredible 92 per cent of all online donations go directly towards educating children and improving access to healthcare in Kenya. All other funds go towards tax deductible/merchant and general bank/transfer fees (click here and scroll down to see a breakdown).

After work drinks, with a difference

Who doesn’t love a cheeky drink with friends after work? In November, our Woven staff joined the dedicated Kickstart Project team for a fundraising event in Melbourne’s Polēpolē Bar + Kitchen. It was brilliant to hear the charity’s founder and director, Esther Rijk, speak with so much passion, taking us through what first inspired her to start this incredibly meaningful work. After a fantastic evening filled with drinks, canapés, a raffle and a silent auction, everyone in the room was excited to learn that together, we had raised almost $2,500. These funds will cover over half of a child’s secondary education.

We’re proud of the work we’re doing to help change the future for kids in Kenya

Looking at our team at the event, many of whom made additional personal donations out of their own pocket, which were then generously matched by Pronto, we’re proud as punch of the contribution we’re making. Building the charity’s new website and helping Esther and her team to devise a digital strategy to scale the charity, are examples of small acts of kindness capable of causing a ripple effect.

Want to contribute to a fairer world and help kids in Kenya to get educated?

A small donation helps these kids to escape the cycle of poverty, realise their full potential and to give back to their own communities. This money provides quality education, sponsorships and mentoring for children who otherwise, will continue to struggle.

Sponsorships cost just $25 per week and cover a child’s needs for a quality education. Even $10 a week can support almost half a child’s sponsorship with all donations and sponsorships being fully tax deductible - you can gain a receipt during the checkout process when making your donation.

Are you ready to be part of the solution? The Kickstart Project aims to find 20 new sponsors by the end of 2017 to sponsor 20 new students next year and change the future of another 20 families.

Looking to connect with a technology-led company who’s passionate and committed to making a difference? Contact Woven today.