When a Workplace Giving Program Comes Full Circle

One of the things I love most about my role with Hands Across the Water is that no two days are ever the same.

In early June, I had the privilege of spending time at Baan Tharn Namchai (BTN), one of the homes supported by Hands. I was welcomed with smiles, laughter and an invitation to join the children for lunch.
On this occasion, I was joined by Alex Duron from Humanitix.

Around the same time, Alex had Googled "Australian charities working in Thailand" and discovered Hands Across the Water. Through Humanitix's employee giving program, he directed a $5,000 donation to support the children in our care.

For Hands, donations like these make a genuine difference. They help us continue building brighter futures through education, care, opportunities and support for children and young people across Thailand.

What none of us expected was that Alex was already living and working remotely from Phuket at the time. Once we realised how close he was, it seemed only fitting to invite him to join me at BTN, meet the children, and see firsthand the impact of his contribution.

Soon after arriving, Alex was being led around the property by one of BTN's smallest and most enthusiastic tour guides. The tour turned into a game of soccer and badminton, plenty of smiles and the chance to meet BTN Director, Game, and the team who care for the children every day.

We shared lunch with the children and spent time talking about how Hands began. Alex was fascinated to learn how Peter Baines' work following the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami led to the creation of Hands Across the Water, and how a response to one of the world's most devastating natural disasters has grown into an organisation supporting children across Thailand today.

It was one of those moments of genuine connection that can never quite be captured in a report or impact statement.

As a long-time Humanitix customer, I've always chosen the platform because of its commitment to impact. Humanitix directs 100% of the profits generated from booking fees to charitable projects. Seeing that impact come full circle, from an employee giving program in Australia to lunch with children in Thailand, was a powerful reminder that everyday business decisions can create meaningful outcomes far beyond the original transaction.

Alex shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience was seeing firsthand how his work and his giving could create a positive impact within the community.

Alex's story is a wonderful example of the potential of workplace giving. More than 4.7 million Australians now have access to workplace giving programs through their employer, and over $50 million is donated annually through payroll giving alone. Yet Workplace Giving Australia research suggests there is still enormous untapped potential, with many employees wanting greater involvement in choosing the causes they support.

For Hands, that's exciting. Every donation helps create opportunities for children and young people in our care. Every connection helps build awareness. And every so often, a simple Google search turns into lunch and a firsthand understanding of the work we do.

For Alex, we hope this is the beginning of a longer connection with our community.

Now, about that bike ride...