Community Support
Little things count. DMV has long had a culture of supporting the people who don't have a high profile, as well as the more established charities who provide invaluable community services.
Our staff are regularly contributing ideas about how we can give back to the community and support worthy causes - everything from buying and using Free Trade Coffee for our overworked espresso machine, to sponsoring the brave and inspiring endeavours of individuals. Here are just some of the people we've been able to support.
Casual Money Brings Good Cheer
DMV has been using its Friday Casual Money (a gold coin donation from staff in casual clothes) to support various charities throughout South Australia. This quarter we decided to donate our money in gift vouchers to Anglicare for distribution to the poor during christmas, a time when many people go without. Anglicare supports vulnerable people right here in Adelaide from the very young to the very old. They have 120 programs run from 39 sites to support and bring hope - local people looking after local people. Kristy Wildy from Anglicare is pictured with DMV staff members collecting over $300 in gift vouchers.
DMV Customers Fly High
Royal Society for the Blind is a long standing and highly valued customer of DMV, and a fantastic community organisation, and we were proud to support their Clipsal 500 Charity Luncheon in March. During this year’s highly entertaining event Managing Director, Greg Fletcher-Harriss, successfully bid for the RAAF Flight Simulator Experience, an event he shared with Colin Shackleford - Manager Information Services at Alexandrina Council, Geoff Magin – Computer System Manager at CMV and Daniel Joy – Sales Executive at DMV.
The four were met by Pilot, FLTLT Josh Smith and Flight Engineers, WOFF Paul Darveniza and FSGT Mark Medwell of 92 Wing at the RAAF Edinburgh Base in May and taken on a hour long joy ride, giving them all a new appreciation of the amazing complexity of defence aviation. All were given the opportunity to fly the simulator through various scenarios under the guidance of FLTLT Smith . Flying under Sydney Harbour Bridge was a big hit and launching harpoon anti-ship missiles at a warship off the NSW coast was also a lot of fun. While Geoff and Colin managed to land safely, Greg and Dan had everyone reaching for the sick bag on approach. Yes, it was that real!
Colin and Geoff, both amateur pilots and aviation enthusiasts, were thrilled by their experience, calling it a once in a lifetime opportunity and a memory to treasure. “That was the most amazing experience and one that I am most grateful for. As an amateur pilot, I was really able to fly the aircraft and become totally immersed in the experience. I thank you again for your generosity and the genuine appreciation you have for your customers” - Colin Shackleford.
Support Royal Society for the Blind
Flotilla for Kids
Langdon Hamlyn, DMV's Purchasing Manager has been supporting Camp Quality's annual "Flotilla for Kids" event for the past 6 years. The event raises money for childhood cancer with the aim of increasing awareness of paediatric cancer and raising funds to make a difference in the research for cures. Langdon, transformed into a clown for the day, delights children with his antics and helps marshal more than a hundred boats safely up the Port River during the event. The fundraising target for 2011 is $150,000.
Aussie to Aussie - Flood Relief
We've all been touched by the recent flood disasters affecting our eastern neighbours. As well as significant personal contributions by some of our staff members, a collection hat was passed around and monies added to our growing Casual Friday Charity Fund which was then matched by our Managing Director. We are proud to have donated well over $2000 to the Queensland Flood Appeal via Woolworths, especially given that only half our staff were back on deck after holidays.
Woolworths helps the Salvation Army Flood Appeal
Casual Friday Benefits The Homeless
Our Casual Fridays have long been popular with staff and participants are encouraged to make a gold coin donation each week in support of community charities. This month we used the money collected to purchase blankets for the homeless. Tarnyu and Kristy from our office (together with Kristy's son Cody), joined Fred's Van in Gawler Place on Sunday 10th October and distributed blankets as people were provided food and drinks by this valuable service.
Fred's Van
Novita Rocks!
DMV was proud to support the "Rock On For Novita" night on Saturday 28th August. The event raised over $4000 for this long established charity that is committed to improving the lives of South Australian children living with disabilities. Novita provides essential therapy, equipment and family support to over 1300 children and their families. Their regular fundraising events not only help their life-changing work to continue, they also provide much need recreation and respite to families coping with disability.
Novita Children's Services
Nicole Devries - An Everyday Hero
Nicole Devries was 26 weeks pregnant with her fourth child when she was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. She is undertaking a 3 kilometre walk during the City to Bay Fun Run on 19th September, 2010 to raise money for Canteen, an organisation she says has helped her and her family tremendously throughout this ordeal. They have provided much needed support, counselling and recreation for her children as they face living with their mother's illness. DMV was happy to kickstart her campaign.
Support Nicole's Fundraising Walk
Sandi Carmichael - Powerhouse Athlete
With a background in fitness industry himself, Managing Director Greg Fletcher-Harriss was keen to raise the profile of a sport not often given the recognition it deserves. When SA based Sandi Carmichael, World Aerobics Champion in 2008, needed support for her trip to the National Championships that year, DMV stepped in to make sure she got there. Sandi's committment, strong goals and motivation to succeed was inspiring to all.
