Have you ever heard of “charity team building”? It’s just what it sounds like – a way for socially responsible companies and organisations to work together to give back to the community. But here’s the fun part: instead of just writing a check or donating unused items, charity team building involves employees actively participating in activities that benefit local charities and community groups. That could mean volunteering at a soup kitchen, building bikes for disadvantaged children, or supporting those in our community sleeping rough by gifting essential items. Not only does it give employees the opportunity to bond and work as a team, but it also supports those in need in tangible and meaningful ways.
There are many benefits to charity team building- just google the three words and you’ll get over 8 million results from boosted workplace morale to increased rates of workplace retention. These are just some of the remarkable benefits that employees and teams experience following a charity team building event. But we think the best part is that it’s a great way to give back to those who need it most. And what could be more rewarding than that?
You see its not until teams experience a charity team building event that they can understand the real world impact this sort of activity can have on those most in need. For us as facilitators we see it everyday and its a big part of the passion and purpose that drives us.
Today we will explore our top 2 charity team building programs delivered in 2023 and the significant impact our client’s participation has had on their local communities.
1. Bikes for Tykes
Bikes for Tykes, our pioneering charity bike building program, has been transforming lives across Australia with the power of two wheels and a handlebar. This engaging and slightly competitive program brings teams together to earn parts through a series of fun activities. The ultimate goal? To construct the perfect bicycle.
The highlight of this program is undoubtedly seeing the joy on a child’s face as they lay eyes on their sparkling new bike for the very first time. The impact that this program has on the local community and on the participating teams cannot be matched.
Impact
Over the past year, more than 6,000 generous participants have built and donated 1,137 bikes. These bicycles have found their way into the homes of families in need, local non-profit community groups, and children battling illnesses. The bikes are more than just a means of transport- they are a way for children to play, feel special, have fun and remain active.
Stories
Astro
A note from Astro’s family, a bikes for tykes recipient:
Thanks for the beautiful and well built bike. Astro loves it very much. We appreciate your thoughts and actions in looking after our kids. Our little warriors have been through a lot during their operations; so much to handle even for an adult. Your gifts have made them feel special and have brought lots of warmness to our children as well as our families😀. Once again, thanks a lot for the beautiful gift.
-Astro’s family
Local School
One school that has benefited from our clients participation in a Bikes for Tykes expressed gratitude for their brand new bikes.
This is part of their reward, via our whole school Lizzy Loot reward system. The staff are very grateful for the awesome bike and helmets.
Sophia
Sophia, a bikes for tykes recipient, is a shining example of the happiness these bikes bring. Gifted a bike by BECA, Sophia’s mother, Alli, shared a heartening image of her daughter beaming atop her new ride. She thanked Heart Kids saying,
“We appreciate all you do.”
Eli
A note from Eli’s Mum:
As well as Congenital Heart Disease, Eli also lives with Autism.
More often than not, he is unsure how to show Thanks unless directed, especially with people he doesn’t not know.
But I want to let you know that last night he slept with his new bike right next to his bed. He also wanted to take it with him to Clinic (heart) this morning 😆.
Thankyou to both you, Sia and Heart Kids NZ for the opportunity that Eli got.
He has had a rough past few months, so for him to see that something good comes out of it as well ,it so good for him to experience.
😊😊😊😊
Thankyou
Hayley and Eli.
2. Lego Legends
In every adult, there’s a child hidden that yearns to play. Our Lego Legends program taps into this innate desire, encouraging participants to unleash their inner child and build the most legendary Lego structure possible. What starts as a friendly competition morphs into a heartwarming initiative as the completed models are donated to a children’s charity of choice.
Impact
Over the last 12 months we have been able to facilitate the donation of over $70,000 worth of Lego to a range of charity partners. These partners support children experiencing illness and those from disadvantaged communities.
Giving children boxes of Lego is more than just donating toys—it’s about giving them an opportunity to take a break from all things medical and just play. Distraction is a proven method for managing anxiety and pain in children, and with the help of our participants we’ve been able to provide some much needed distraction for children who need it most.
These Lego donations have also become instrumental tools for schools and community groups. They use these Lego sets as part of their support strategies for children, offering a creative, therapeutic outlet during challenging times. Lego helps in developing fine motor skills, promotes teamwork, and encourages problem-solving abilities. Schools have integrated Lego sets into their classrooms, creating mindful spaces that foster creativity and collaboration among students.
Stories
Georgie
For Heart kid Georgie, a young girl who had just returned home after two months in the hospital to receive a pile of Lego boxes. Her mother shared that Georgie spent the next few weeks shunning her iPad and instead building and perfecting her Zoo, saying,
“Your generosity is such a positive thing for a young girl who has had her world shrink a little with the restrictions this latest round has made.”
Xavier and his Sisters
Xavier and his sisters have created wonderful Lego structures, and Xavier’s Māia bear, another gift from HeartKids NZ, is well-loved and accompanies him to bed every night.
Naomi
Naomi, an 11-year-old who recently started at a new school, found delight and a therapeutic outlet in her Lego set. She says,
“I wanted to say thank you so much to you, HeartKids NZ and GNS Science for all the Lego I was given at the special event we were invited to. Mum says Lego is so good for me because it helps with my fine motor skills, my concentration, and it keeps me busy for ages!”
Local School
One school expressed gratitude to our Charity Partner The Sixth Child for the donations, with each classroom now having a Lego set as a mindful space. The community room is filled with various Lego sets, promoting teamwork and providing students with a creative outlet.
These stories are a testament to the profound impact of corporate giving and social responsibility. Through our programs our clients have shown that their contributions extend far beyond the realm of business. They provide more than just toys or essential items; they offer opportunities for growth, hope, and most importantly, joy to those in need. The ability to facilitate these powerful connections and make a positive change in the lives of children, families, and individuals experiencing hardship is what truly drives us.
To all our clients who have participated in our charity team-building events, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your participation goes beyond building your team’s culture. It extends into the lives of countless people, offering them hope and happiness. Thank you for helping us make a difference.
For more information on our charity team-building events, please view our program options or contact us today. Let’s make a difference together.
As the festive season approaches, consider extending your generosity a little further. For more information on our remarkable charity partners and how you can help this Christmas, please download our directory.
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