BACS is launched!
On Thursday 11th April at the Department of Conservation in Wellington BACS was duly launched with a mixture of dignity and a little egg-tossing fun.
After nearly 8 months of road testing BACS we were very pleased to share the successes we have had in membership growth, the amount of news we have put online and especially the shared resources and skills that have been posted onto BACS.
Members, partners, guests and friends attended the event in the beautiful and restful foyer of DOC. Avon Adams welcomed us all on behalf of DOC with details of their commitment to the partnership they have with BACS.
Their new video of partnership- working with volunteers within the greatest living space on earth was well received.
Founder Julie Donvin-Irons spoke about BACS and how it intends to grow further with continuing partnerships and campaigns.
She also reminded those present that they were welcome to offer a koha to Kaibosh, which would further assist them with their work to rescue and recycle viable food for those in need.
Scott Arrell of Thales, spoke as a business member of BACS. As a global company that designs and operates systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements Thales has an exceptional international footprint, and is clearly aware of its corporate social responsibility in New Zealand with the need to work in partnerships.
From the Hikurangi Foundation, Alex Hannant explained what the foundation does as a base for social enterprises in the areas of energy, land-use, consumption and use and how through developed support models they equip people with some great resources. Alex spoke of the benefits for them in BACS as a community member.
The London Benchmarking Group director for New Zealand and Australia, Simon Robinson explained the need for companies to measure their community investment through a clear methodology that can be used for in- house reporting or as a benchmark externally. He continued their commitment to BACS as a CSR partner.
Chair Heather Stonyer welcomed the Hon Jo Goodhew, Minister of Volunteering and the Community sector to officially launch Business and Community Shares.
The Minister made a rousing speech about business and community sharing resources and described BACS as an exciting tool in the box!
Heather then took the opportunity to make a call for interest to business and community organisations to take leadership in the health campaign that BACS intends to roll out as soon as possible.
After more tasty nibbles and drinks we continued with the Good Business Eggs of New Zealand awards. We made good use of the Minister as she presented the three winners, BNZ Bank, USave and Vodafone with hampers of Cadbury chocolates and a specially designed photo award.
Each member went onto announce the charity they were donating their hamper too. Some egg throwing was necessary as an outlet to the exuberance and delight of winning the awards after the earlier tension and excitement. (No eggs were harmed during this pursuit.)
The BACS team wishes to thank all who attended that evening, those that have supported and are committed to BACS, and we very much look forward to working with you to make a greater impact on people sustainability in New Zealand.
Facebook for photos. Website: www.bacshares.org.nz