Mark Dingley, Matthews’ CEO, said, “Within 48 hours, we’d already exceeded our target of $10,000 to donate to WIRES. Seeing the wonderful support from our staff and then our supplier partners, we increased that target to $25,000.
“We were very proud of the way our own and our supplier teams got behind this staff-driven initiative – it was really indicative of how communities across Australia have banded together in this time of crisis.
“For instance, Matthews Marking in the USA pitched in US$1,000, which equates to nearly A$1,500, along with Evolabel in Sweden and Solaris in Poland also making donations.
“We asked for small amounts – which we matched – but the responses were all very generous, with comments back saying it’s an extremely good cause."
Mr Dingley said the initial informal staff discussions quickly evolved into a desire to help as a business to support the bushfire-recovery efforts.
“While the fires have affected so many parts of the nation in so many ways, the devastation to native wildlife resonated the most in our team discussions Australia wide. I think everyone was moved on hearing the estimates that more than a billion animals have perished, with hundreds of thousands more severely or permanently injured, and their habitats and food sources destroyed.”
Mr Dingley said the company-wide fundraising initiative began with Matthews donating $5,000 to WIRES, then matching all staff and supplier partner donations, dollar for dollar.
“WIRES is Australia's largest wildlife rescue organisation. In late January they announced $3 million of funding for two new national-emergency-relief grant programs to support volunteers and veterinarians, who are working tirelessly to manage native animals needing immediate and ongoing care. It is exceptionally pleasing to know we are part of helping do this.
“I’m so proud of our team for their concern and sympathy for all involved in the fires. As one staff member said, ‘this support will help ensure future generations will actually get to see wildlife in the wild’.”
NSW-based WIRES has committed to distributing funds raised nationally to areas most in need.
Media contact:
Alex Kelly, Marketing Manager, Matthews Australasia
+61 3 9763 0533
AKelly@matthews.com.au
Written by:
Samantha Schelling, for Matthews Australasia. 0431 015 904 or 03 5831 3767