A DECISION by Perth-based Technip Subsea 7 Asia-Pacific to link its safety standards with not-for-profit donations will this year assist the Leukaemia Foundation of WA with its ongoing research.
A DECISION by Perth-based Technip Subsea 7 Asia-Pacific to link its safety standards with not-for-profit donations will this year assist the Leukaemia Foundation of WA with its ongoing research.
On October 16, Technip will donate $4,000 to the foundation as part of the subsea engineering and construction company's safety initiative at its WA offshore operation.
Technip traditionally sets goals with each project in collaboration with clients and the workforce, then chooses a charity to donate raised money to if the goal is achieved.
Michelle Fraser, general manager of the Balcatta-based Leukaemia Foundation in WA, said the foundation relied heavily on donations from local businesses.
She said Technip's donation would go towards providing free patient services such as accommodation, counselling, patient transport and education.
"Every hour of every day in Australia, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer and every two hours, someone loses their life," Ms Fraser said.
"Generous donations such as these received from Technip ensure that the foundation can continue to work towards its vision to cure and mission to care."
Due to internal promotions earlier this year, the WA arm of the Leukaemia Foundation was able to introduce state departmental managers in business development and marketing, which complements a move in 2005 to create a more professional national brand.
Ms Fraser was appointed general manager, while Tiffany Simpson has been promoted to national marketing and communications manager. Lara White has moved to fundraising manager, Lynne Anderson was appointed business development manager and Margot Vearing is now WA marketing and communications manager.
Most administrative work is carried out from the foundation's Brisbane office, allowing each state to provide tailored services to their respective locations.
Ms Fraser said restructuring the Leukaemia Foundation into a national organisation presented challenges for staff.
"Initially, the national amalgamation of state operations required a change of mindset for our members who were accustomed to the foundation being state-based," she said.
"However, many positives have come from the nationalisation including being able to provide better education and support for our patients and the ability to fund national research projects.
"It also enables us to provide our corporate supporters with a national partnership while still keeping a local focus.
"A perfect example of this is the national partnership pertaining to patient transport vehicles, which are sponsored by Bridgestone Australia.
"All vehicles across Australia are highly branded providing a national opportunity for both Bridgestone Australia and the Leukaemia Foundation.
"We can also nurture relationships with local Bridgestone Australia offices and franchisees in each state and offer state-based opportunities over and above their national commitment."
Ms Fraser said the national and regional restructuring also provided the foundation with an avenue to overcome the labour shortage "as is the norm for not-for-profit organisations".
"Being a national organisation we are able to provide greater opportunities for staff to progress within the organisation," she said.
