Making a Difference Together. Spirit payroll giving program

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1 Making a Difference Together Spirit payroll giving program

2 The causes we support We believe it is our responsibility as a large organisation to give back to the communities in which we operate. One of the ways we do this is through our Spirit program. These activities are centered around our larger Corporate Responsibility Strategy; Growing Together. Growing Together identifies how we plan to be corporately responsible. We have depicted this commitment under three main flags Inspiring our People, Protecting our Environment and Shaping our Communities. Spirit is our employee payroll giving program and this booklet outlines how the scheme works, the benefits to our staff and provides information on the causes we support through the program. Transdev is committed to supporting four main causes across Australasia: Cancer research and awareness Animal welfare Depression and anxiety awareness / those in need Caring for sick children The Australian and New Zealand charities that receive support directly through the Spirit program are: Cancer Council (AUS) / Cancer Society (NZ) RSPCA (AUS) / SPCA (NZ) beyondblue (AUS) / Auckland City Mission (NZ) Camp Quality (AUS) and Children s Hospital Foundations Australia (AUS) / Starship Foundation (NZ) 2

3 Did you know? Since launching Spirit in 2009, the program has raised over $400,000 for our charity partners. Donating just $5 out of your pay actually only costs you $3.50*. This is because the donation is taken from your pay before your pay is taxed. We then double your donation, so a $5 donation results in $10 to your chosen charity. The causes we support will receive the full amount there are no transaction costs or cuts taken from either your donation or Transdev s matching donation. Payroll giving saves charities valuable funds that are otherwise directed to fundraising because they know they can rely on your donation each and every month. *The deduction you will receive on your donations depends on your income. This example applies to people earning between $35,000 and $80,000 a year. 3

4 How does Spirit work? It s simple: 1. Select the causes you want to support from the list on the Spirit sign up form (you can choose as many as you like) 2. Select the amount you d like to donate per week (you can donate as little as $1 per week) 3. Complete the Spirit sign up form 4. Hand your form to your supervisor or Payroll Officer 5. The amount is automatically deducted from your pay before tax is calculated, meaning you pay less tax and the charity gets your entire donation 6. Transdev will match your donation, dollar for dollar (up to a maximum of $500 per person per annum) 7. We send the money directly to the charity every quarter Benefits for staff: You will gain the pre-tax benefit immediately without having to collect receipts and claim at the end of the financial year Donations can be automatically deducted on a regular basis, so you don t need to think about it You can make a larger impact donating through your pre-tax pay, especially if it is matched by us It s the most cost effective way to donate, as charities don t have to spend to fundraise 4

5 Cancer research and awareness Most people have been touched by cancer in some way, either directly or indirectly. The cancer charities we support have the highest level of dollar support amongst our employees. This cause is supported not only via our staff giving program, but also through the ongoing promotion of annual events and fundraisers within each business, such as Shave for a Cure and Movember. Cancer Council (Australia) Cancer Council exists to minimise the threat of cancer to all Australians through best treatment, successful prevention and supportive care. Cancer Council also advises the Australian Government and other bodies on policies and practices to help prevent, detect and treat cancer. 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, with 1 in 3 cancers being preventable. More Australians die prematurely from cancer than from any other cause, however, the survival rate for many common cancers has increased by 30% in the past two decades. Impact of donations Payroll donations can help Cancer Council continue to: Fund over 450 research projects, equating to more than $50 million annually. Facilitate around a thousand mentoring relationships between volunteer cancer survivors and newly diagnosed patients annually. Take over 100,000 calls p.a. to Cancer Council s Helpline ( ). Continue to advocate for health policy improvements at a state and federal level. Cancer Society (AUCKLAND DIVISION) Every day 55 New Zealanders will face what might be their biggest challenge yet a cancer diagnosis. Sadly, every year, 8,000 families lose a loved one. Cancer Society is committed to making sure that no one goes through this journey alone and fewer people walk it in the future. Cancer Society provides: 1. Free support and accommodation to those going through cancer treatment 2. Funding to Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, who have taken 12 cancer drugs to clinical trial 3. Preventative steps toward reducing cancer for future generations with campaigns such as Smokefree and Sunsmart 5

6 Animal welfare Animal welfare is a cause close to many of our employee s hearts and is always shown a great deal of support through payroll giving. Regular annual events and fundraisers within each business, such as RSPCA s Cupcake Day, are held in addition to regular staff giving. RSPCA (Australia) The RSPCA is the voice for the animals of Australia. They provide care and protection and fight to stop animal cruelty. RSPCA offers shelters, veterinary attention, rescuing and rehoming of animals. Across Australia, the RSPCA receives around 150,000 animals into its shelters each year and investigates around 50,000 complaints of cruelty. Their programs assist the community to care for their animals, educate the public on animal welfare issues and promote empathy and understanding. They also help victims of domestic violence, homeless people, socially isolated and elderly people by taking care of beloved pets in times of crisis. As a community based charity with less than 3% of funding provided by governments, the RSPCA relies heavily on the generous support of donors to continue their vital work. SPCA (New Zealand) SPCA Auckland s mission is to encourage the humane treatment of all animals and prevent cruelty that may be inflicted on them. They achieve this by enforcing the Animal Welfare Act and providing shelter, medical assistance and love to animals in need. They are also committed to finding forever homes for unwanted animals, educating diverse communities about animal welfare and care, and providing leadership in lobbying and advocacy to give animals a voice. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is New Zealand s oldest and most respected animal welfare organisation. In the Auckland region, the Society s Animal Village at Mangere attends to the needs of more than 22,000 animals annually

7 Depression, anxiety and those in need Having a predominately male workforce, depression and anxiety is a cause that is very relevant to our business. Male sufferers often don t talk about these issues, so we hope to support and create awareness amongst our staff for this all too common illness. Auckland City Mission provides an array of social services to a multitude of New Zealand people in need, giving them the hand they need to put them back on the right track. beyondblue (Australia) Depression and anxiety life can get better with help. Most Australians have some experience with anxiety and depression, whether it is personal or via family, friends or work colleagues. At beyondblue, its aim is achieving an Australian community that understands depression and anxiety, empowers people to seek help, and supports recovery, management and resilience. The need is great: 1 in 6 Australians is likely to experience depression in their lifetime and 1 in 4 is likely to experience an anxiety disorder. There is no shame and it is not a sign of weakness. You can help by supporting beyondblue. If you or someone you care about needs information or wants to get help for depression and anxiety call our Info Line on They are there to help. Auckland City Mission (New Zealand) The Auckland City Mission provides essential services to people who are in desperate need. The Mission s work is constantly evolving as the political, economic and social changes. Over the life of the Mission, work has extended into the community and advocacy has increased in order to offer relevant solutions to those who come for help. Auckland City Mission offers hope to individuals and families who may be experiencing a temporary setback or a longterm problem that needs expert attention, and have no-one else to turn to. The Mission provides immediate assistance, such as food, clothing and bedding, and staff work with individuals or families to find workable, long-term solutions to the issues they face. Over the next five years the Mission s Vision is to have measurably improved our clients well-being and health, and contributed to sustained social change. 7

8 Caring for sick children This cause is the second most supported, in terms of dollar giving, amongst our employees. Caring for sick children is something we all feel compassionate about, and for a large portion of our workers, children are part of their everyday. In most Transdev locations we provide school bus services, charters and excursions for thousands of children every year. We also work closely with schools across Australasia in developing road and rail safety programs. We are proud to support these three charities. Children s Hospital Foundations Australia (Australia) Children s Hospital Foundations Australia is the national fundraising partnership of five children s hospitals, dedicated to excellence in children s health. Children s Hospital partners: Children s Health Foundation, QLD Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, WA Royal Children s Hospital Foundation, VIC Sydney Children s Hospital Foundation, NSW Women s & Children s Hospital Foundation, SA Funds raised nationally by Children s Hospitals are divided equally between the five partners and are directed into the key areas of research, services and equipment in each hospital. By choosing to donate to Children s Hospitals you are actively supporting the wonderful work carried out every day to treat and care for sick and injured children around the country. Camp Quality (Australia) Camp Quality is the children s cancer charity. Its purpose is to create a better life for every child living with cancer in Australia. Camp Quality provides children (0-13 years) living with cancer and their families the opportunity to build optimism and resilience by supporting them through every part of their cancer journey. However, its programs currently only reach 1 in 3 children living with cancer. With your help, it can work towards reaching all children living with cancer, no matter where they live in Australia Living with cancer places an enormous physical, emotional and financial stress on families. Camp Quality helps families spend quality time together, through every step of their cancer journey. 8

9 As well as its famous camps, which boosts the strength, confidence and independence of children and families, Camp Quality provides play therapy support in hospitals. This provides children with coping strategies to help them deal with their illness inside and outside of hospital. They also go into schools with their Primary School Education program, a touring puppet show that educates pupils about cancer and how to be supportive and understanding of a child living with cancer. Camp Quality currently supports close to 3,000 children living with cancer and run over 200 camps and fun days a year. Starship Foundation (New Zealand) Starship Children s Health provides worldclass healthcare for more than 120,000 children each year from all over New Zealand. Starship is often the last resort for children with complex medical conditions and life threatening injuries that cannot be treated in their home towns. Thanks to the Starship National Air Ambulance Service, these often critically ill children have access to the best possible medical care to give them the best chance at life. So when a child s life hangs in the balance, your support can make all the difference. 9

10 Frequently Asked Questions Will I get a receipt? No, your donation is made as a pre-tax deduction so the company is responsible for keeping track of your donations and will advise you of your total donations for the year through your Pay As You Go (PAYG) Payment Summary, provided each year, in July. Therefore there is no need for the charities to issue you with a receipt. Do I need to do anything at tax time? Yes, at the end of the financial year, you simply record the total amount of your donations on your tax return so the Australian Taxation Office knows that you ve made these donations to a charity. Transdev will record your donation amount at the end of the financial year on your Payment Summary. What does pre-tax deductions mean? A pre-tax deduction is where an amount is deducted from your salary before any income tax is taken out. This means your individual income tax is reduced and also means that you receive any tax benefit immediately rather than having to wait until the end of the financial year. How much of my donation goes to charity and will I know what my money is being used for? The advantage of Spirit is that the charities receive regular income but don t have to issue individual receipts, saving time and money. This means that 100% of your donation goes directly to the charity. 10

11 Can I change or cancel my regular donation after I have submitted my sign up form? Yes, you can change or cancel your regular donation amount and the charity/charities you donate to by simply submitting a signed letter to payroll. Changes and cancellations will take effect within a month. A charity that I want to support is not on the list. Can I still donate to it? You can donate to other charities via payroll giving that are outside of the program, however your donation will not be matched. Will my personal information be supplied to the charities I give to? No, we will not give any details identifying individual donors to charities. We will provide the charities on the program with regular bulk deposits (made of staff donations and our matching contribution). I WANT TO HELP OUR CAUSES IN OTHER WAYS Support in volunteering capacity, additional giving and hosting events are all gifts our partners need desperately. If this is something you are looking to do we can put you in touch with a local contact person very easily. Please tda.info@transdev.com.au or speak with your Comms Rep in your business. 11

12 R Transdev thanks its employees for their involvement and support in the Spirit program.