Feeling generous? Aruga-approved charities to support this EOFY

The past 12 months have been a hot mess of humanitarian crises, natural disasters and a pandemic that never ends.

The grim facts, figures, trends and timelines that punctuate news bulletins only tell part of the story; the human impact is far-reaching, relentless and devastating.

It can be hard to know where to start or how to make a genuine difference.

If your balance books are in the black, it makes sense (cents?) as the financial year draws to a close to pay it forward and provide much-needed funds and support to the charities and NFPs doing the heavy-lifting in Australia, for Australians.

Aruga wears its heart on its sleeve and we’re passionate about putting our collective talents and time towards causes we care about. In short, the more we share, the more we have.

We are incredibly proud to partner with a top-shelf selection of homegrown heroes, charities and not-for-profits doing meaningful work in our community, sharing our time, skills and resources to help them make a positive difference.

Here are some worthy Aruga-approved charities where your financial support before June 30 can make a real difference:

 

Aboriginal Art Co.

Proudly Indigenous-owned and operated, Aboriginal Art Co. aims to protect 60,000 years of continuous artistic expression by connecting ethical buyers to authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and products. Creating meaningful connections to artisans and consumers through storytelling traditions, Aboriginal Art Co. is in the process of establishing an online marketplace and bricks-and-mortar store in Brisbane. Fund the dream here.

Actors’ & Entertainers’ Benevolent Fund Qld

When the lights went out for the arts and entertainment industry in March 2020 – and flickered on-and-off for the next two years – it looked like it was curtains for Queensland’s network of performing arts professionals, behind-the-scenes crew and cultural venues. As Queensland’s leading performing arts charity, the Actors’ & Entertainers’ Benevolent Fund is the one that shows up for performers in need, providing emergency assistance since 1975. Show your support here.

Brisbane Broncos Community

On-field they are a force to be reckoned with but off-field, the Brisbane Broncos are kicking goals in communities across Queensland and northern New South Wales. Broncos Community is the NRL Club’s largest department, representing more than 50 per cent of the Broncos’ core team and engaging more than 80 current and former players, ambassadors, mentors and Student Support Officers in more than 50 schools. Broncos Community programs focus on mentoring, skills training, support, leadership, mental wellbeing, identity and charitable endeavours and have changed the lives of thousands of young people over almost 30 years. Help the Broncos support their community here.

Brisbane Festival

Fancy yourself an arts lover? Share your passion for performance by donating to Brisbane Festival’s Giving Program and helping the much-loved annual Festival deliver performances of scale and ambition, commission new work and support local and emerging artists. Donations also help keep the Festival accessible to all audiences with free events and low ticket prices. Direct your round of applause here.

Brisbane Powerhouse

Brisbane Powerhouse presents more than 1,250 performances and engages over 1,200 artists each year but it needs support. Queensland’s home of contemporary culture and art is targeting five areas for investment and development: First Nations Culture and Education Program, Children and Young People – Arts, Culture and Education Program, commissioning work by diverse artists telling compelling stories, Flex accessibility program and Art + Ideas Program. Play a starring role here.

Cancer Council Queensland

Cancer is relentless. So is Cancer Council Queensland. Every year, this registered charity is involved in numerous fundraising opportunities to contribute to a cancer-free future. With one in two Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, the funds raised or donated go towards lifesaving research, prevention programs and patient support services. Invest in a cancer-free future here.

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation

Established in honour of Queenslander Daniel Morcombe, the Foundation’s name is synonymous with providing access to personal safety education and resources for a safer Australia for young people. As well as the annual Day for Daniel fundraiser and other initiatives, The Daniel Morcombe Foundation has also launched a suite of Safe Bedrooms resources to keep kids safe in both online and physical environments. Donate here.

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Every cure starts with a scientific discovery by someone who imagined a better future. The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) is driven to create a better future by making breakthrough discoveries to improve health and well-being. Whether it’s enlisting citizen scientists to discover new antibiotics in their backyard as part of Soils for Science or turning ideas into scientific achievements with Ignite Innovation, there are so many ways to support IMB’s world-leading research.

La Boite Theatre

La Boite Theatre has a proud history as Australia’s longest continuously running theatre company. La Boite invests heavily in young artists and audiences to nurture the next generation of theatre-makers and lovers and provide youth and education programs to the community. Donations help to support the creation of new works and perspectives to honour the history and dream up the future of local theatre. Fund the arts here.

Orange Sky Australia

Supporting friends in the community who are experiencing homelessness, Orange Sky Australia provides a regular mobile laundry service and warm showers staffed by volunteers who lend an empathetic ear in a safe, positive and supportive environment. The world’s first free mobile laundry service began in a Brisbane garage and now has 35 services across Australia and New Zealand, including in remote communities. Change a life here.

OzFish Unlimited

OzFish Unlimited, a not-for-profit organisation powered by BCF, is working with recreational fishers across Australia’s waterways to protect their favourite fishing spots and restore vital fish habitat including lost shellfish reefs. OzFish’s Central Moreton Bay chapter is on a mission to restore 100 hectares of shellfish reef in Moreton Bay over the next 10 years, eventually producing up to an extra 250 tonnes of fish annually for each hectare of restored reef. Cast a line and make a difference here.

Supercheap Auto

Supercheap Auto is proud to partner with three Australian charities: Beyond Blue, HeartKids and the Australian Road Safety Foundation. Each Supercheap Auto store in Australia has selected one of these charities to rally around and customers can donate at the checkout, either through a register round-up amount or a fixed donation. Supercheap Auto will supersize the donation by matching customers’ fundraising efforts, up to $50,000, with the full amount going to each not-for-profit partner. Find out more here.

Aruga ain’t no show pony – we walk the talk with our ongoing commitment to pro bono initiatives and workplace giving. Find out how Aruga’s 2020 Helping Hands project made a difference to 10 small businesses straight from the horses’ mouths (ahem, bright-eyed and pony-tailed clients).