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Just using the word “charity” stimulates a wide range of emotions in many people. Whether we are considering the impact of a natural disaster, like the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria (where the UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee raised £100 million ($120 million) in just two weeks), or giving a euro or dollar to sponsor an activity to raise funds for a local good cause—the altruistic response is usually similar. In our professional life, the role of charity takes many different forms. Whether it’s an initiative by a social committee or a more substantial donation made by a business with corporate social responsibility at its heart, the result helps those in need.
Less popular are those charities that are focused on workers within specific industries and, it was with interest, that we learned about the work of BOSS, the business supplies charity.
Filling the Gaps in Social Care
Social care often only goes so far. The qualification levels can sometimes seem to exclude the very people who need the help most. Today, you may be used to your salary appearing in your bank account on the same date each month or couple of weeks. Your bills are always paid on the same date, and all is well. Then circumstances change; an accident, job loss, ill health, relationship problems, and the stable and familiar suddenly seems to be built on sand. Before long, you may be understanding the role food banks play in society.
The social care processes take time to commence and usually only cover the minimal basics of life. Charity starts here, and the BOSS charity focuses its efforts on those who work, or have ever worked, in the UK business supplies industry for at least two years. Its not a new idea; the organization has been quietly working away for almost 100 years.
The Non-Fundraising Fundraiser
Keypoint Intelligence is an international organization. We have people working around the globe, and over a dozen of us work in the UK. While we were loosely aware of the BOSS Federation and the excellent work it does to maintain standards, provide industry specific services, and encourage training across the industry, the charity work had passed us by.
How could we resist an invite to meet industry peers at the delightful, 350 year old Stationers Hall? Tuxedos dusted off and still fitting we (Todd Curtis, our Business Development Director, and I) set off to London. And we were briefed that this was not a fundraiser, it was an opportunity to learn more about the work of the BOSS Charity.
Speaking after dinner is a skill. Matching the speaker to the event requires even more dexterity. It was humbling and inspiring to hear the story of Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards: a humble man with an inspiring story of grit and determination that demonstrates how, if you put your mind to it, you can achieve your own personal greatness. Eddie was England’s unbelievable hero who ski-jumped into history at the 1988 Olympics. If you want to learn more, you can check out the film “Eddie the Eagle” on Netflix.
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| Todd Curtis, Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, and Peter Mayhew at the BOSS Charity Dinner. |
Inspiration in Office Supplies
From hard times, with a little help, adversity can become opportunity. And the BOSS charity is there for those in the UK’s office supplies industry who encounter difficulty. A timely grant for a mechanical aid that brings mobility out of disability or signposting and assistance through difficulties is where the organization excels.
It may seem a long way from toner cartridges, labels, paper clips, coffee, or hand sanitizer, but brands like Brother, Avery, Ryman, and Fellows are stepping up and quietly lending a helping hand, providing support to be distributed to those who have contributed to our industry when they need it most.
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
As sustainability becomes front and center of the industries agenda, we should not forget the other corporate social responsibilities that can so often be overlooked. Is it too easy to plant some trees and tick that checkbox? Yes, we have a global responsibility to the planet, but we shouldn’t forget the local communities on which our manufacturing capacity depends.
But the office supplies industry is more than paper and ink or toner; it is people, as well. It’s good to see the BOSS charity looking out this essential part of our industry.
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