Why I am a member of IMPACT100 Sydney North
19 Aug 2022 |
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Michael Ryan shares his thoughts on why he is an IMPACT100 Sydney North member …
Over the past couple of years I have had the good fortune to be part of IMPACT100 North Sydney and I’d like to share a few thoughts on my experience with them. In all, I got back so much more than I put in.
From my first meeting I was struck by the respect shown to each other and the intelligence and positivity of the group. It is also very well organised by a strong and experienced leadership.
What I’ve learnt
I learned of countless charities I had never heard of that every day do extraordinary work for vulnerable people with real needs and desperate problems. These charities are all run by selfless and compassionate people who work hard with meagre resources or support. There are many such people but we rarely encounter them (out of sight out of mind).
IMPACT100 Sydney North spends countless hours analysing in depth over 40 charities a year. It looks at the need the charity is meeting, how the donation would be used and most importantly the likely impact of the donation.
All charities we’ve looked at deserve support and it hurts to disappoint any of them. Last year Impact100 gave $100,000 to Youth Insearch and $20,000 to each of Mary’s House, The Gender Centre and The Generous and the Grateful. Four extraordinary charities who restore one’s faith in human nature. Many of us were moved to tears talking with these people. There were so many other charities we would love to have supported.
Providing pro-bono legal assistance
Youth Insearch and Mary’s House impressed me so much that after the grants were announced I contacted them. Our law firm now provides them pro bono legal assistance. I asked the solicitors in our office if they would like to assist and the reaction was overwhelming. We have budgets and demand long hard hours of our young lawyers, yet many leapt at the chance to help. More than needed. What these charities do resonates with all ages.
We learned that places like Youth Insearch save the lives of countless young people with flow on benefits to their families and society generally. We learned that Mary’s House and its associate, the Daisy Centre, provide support to victims of domestic violence. They know the challenges these people face and provide support where and at times it is most needed. Both make an incredible difference and provide a multiplier positive benefit to society. With hard work and smarts they provide benefits well beyond their size and budget. IMPACT100 find and donate to these kind of places year after year.
An eye opener
The Gender Centre was an eye opener. We learned of the problems facing transgender people and the unacceptably high suicide attempt\depression levels they suffer. I had no idea. I now understand the harm the current political discussion must be doing to this most vulnerable section of our society.
What do I like about IMPACT100 Sydney North?
- Every single cent donated goes direct to the chosen charity. No admin fees, no middle person.
- The volunteers spend many hours analysing the charities. The process is thorough and careful.
- The money goes where it does the most good and has the highest impact. Every dollar counts.
- We see innovative and clever people develop ingenious ways to help the vulnerable.
- The group is community based. The participants are inspirational and it is a pleasure to work with them.
- The group is respectful, positive and intelligent. It is very well organised.
- It is easy to concentrate on the bad things. This has opened my eyes to good people doing good things day after day. They were always there I just didn’t see them.
What don’t I like about IMPACT100 Sydney North?
Nothing, it is awesome. I wish it was IMPACT1000 Sydney North.