Toyota & Conservation Volunteers Partnership Finds $4.3 million in Social Benefits
31 January 2012 at 9:35 am
An assessment of a nine-year partnership between Conservation Volunteers Australia and car giant, Toyota Australia has found sustainable gains for the environment, community and business equating to more than $4.3 million in social benefits.
According to Phil Harrison of Conservation Volunteers, the results have been far-reaching.
“More people and corporates are volunteering in Conservation Volunteers projects, we have stronger community connections made possible through Toyota dealerships, improved our organisational efficiencies and expanded our program offering,” says Harrison.
The social value of the partnership was determined through a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis undertaken by CSR consultancy NetBalance.
Based on an evaluation of stakeholder benefits and the impact of outcomes achieved, the SROI showed a return of $4.30 to the community, for every dollar invested by Toyota between 2008-2011.
“Corporates too, are looking for ways to measure and manage their social footprint and SROI provides a means of doing so,” says Marston.
- a new online volunteer booking system
- a fresh approach to recruiting, recognising and rewarding volunteers
- improved communications with volunteers
- expanded program suite including an enhanced schools program and the introduction of Green Gym
- better access to corporate market with double the number of volunteer enquires from corporate business (from 70 in 2009 to 148 in 2011)
- 53% increase in corporate volunteers involved in Conservation Volunteers projects (from 1,100 in 2005 to 2,300 in 2010)
- 42% of corporate volunteers inspired to do more environmental volunteering in their own time
- more than 1,600 people completing the Certificate 1 in Active Volunteering
- more community engagement
“Staff at Northpoint Toyota dealerships in South Australia dedicated 1,343 days to Conservation Volunteers environmental projects during 2009 and 2010, and encouraged voluntary subscriptions to a carbon off-set program,” Katerina Persic, Toyota public affairs manager said.
The dealerships also supported the roll-out of the Certificate 1 in Active Volunteering.
“Working with Toyota, Conservation Volunteers has lifted its profile in community and Not for Profit sector and broadened its connections outside the environmental field,” Phil Harrison from Conservation Volunteers said.
“The benefits to Conservation Volunteers will continue to be realised over the coming years, as processes are further honed. This on-going success is testament to the strength and strategic nature of the Toyota and Conservation Volunteers relationship,” Harrison said.
The partnership between Toyota Community Spirit and Conservation Volunteers Australia was established in 2002 and came to completion in March 2011. Throughout the nine-year affiliation, the Toyota Community Spirit program provided promotional support, technical skills, expertise, employee volunteers and financial support.
IT is ineirtsteng to know what UNV have achieved over the years. Voluteering means committed and value driven people coming together to promote World peace and development.