PHIL CRAIG LASER PLUMBING

About eight years ago Phil Craig had a problem with his business. He calls it the “what’s in it for me?” problem. The resolution came in the shape of a local charity and youth organisation.

Craig and his staff started working with the group in Vermont, Victoria, then staff members became really engaged realising how they could become involved and give back. This led to the formation two years ago of the Backyard Blitz. This involves family and tradesmen helping landscape the backyard of a family in need. One backyard a year is picked for a makeover.

“Our staff members really enjoy doing it and says it is the best day of the year,” says Craig. Both families that have been helped through the Backyard Blitz so far have special-needs children and are “great givers of time and resources to the community”.

The Backyard Blitz recipients say they were very humbled by the experience, and stay in contact with Craig and his team.

The franchisee says he is looking how to achieve greater results every year and has introduced giving as part of staff induction – new employees have a choice to donate weekly from their pay.

“It is really good for the staff to have focus out of work and help and give back to the community,” says Craig. In fact, some employees have taken their commitment a step further and joined local charity boards.

“We love what we do and we love supporting the community,” says Craig, who has always had a focus on social responsibility and has been supportive and driven with the great work done at a group level.

“Personally we can always get involved and can give internationally, but it's better for us to make a difference locally,” he says. Seeing the impact is important for Craig and his staff members, and they plan to keep looking for bigger and better ways of making a difference.

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It is really good for the staff to have focus out of work and help and give back to the community.