In December 2005 Baycorp Advantage launched the Blue Sky Workplace-Giving Program enabling staff to make a real difference in the community by donating to the charities that need help.

Through the 2005 Workplace-Giving Survey, BCA employees nominated the cause areas of particular interest. A core group of charities has been chosen encompassing these areas so that Baycorp Advantage contributions are concentrated and have a greater impact. Our charities spanning both sides of the Tasman, cover a broad range of community needs.

In Australia BCA BlueSky will be supporting the following organisations:

Alzheimer’s Australia which is the peak body providing support and advocacy for the 500,000 Australians living with dementia.

Assistance Dogs Australia, a non-profit organisation with a committed mission: to enhance the quality of life for people with physical disabilities.

Australian Wildlife Conservancy an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of Australia’s threatened wildlife and ecosystems.

Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research (CCIA), the only independent medical research institute in Australia dedicated to research into the causes, cure and prevention of childhood cancer.

Fred Hollows Foundation a non-government organisation which seeks to eradicate avoidable blindness in developing countries and to improve the health outcomes of Indigenous Australians.

Smith Family is a national, independent, social enterprise that supports disadvantaged children and their families to create a better future through education.

In New Zealand BCA BlueSky will be supporting the organisations:

Cancer Society of New Zealand which aims to minimise the impact of cancer on New Zealanders by providing: major funding of research into the causes and treatment of cancer, cancer related information, support for cancer patients and their families, programs promoting a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of cancer, and advocacy on behalf of cancer patients and their families.

SPCA provides help to animals and their owners. The SPCA shelters are run entirely by volunteers who care for sick and injured animals and find loving homes for as many of these as possible.

Make-A-Wish Foundation aims to grant wishes to children who are living with a life-threatening illness. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Zealand strives to grant the one cherished wish of each child between the ages of 3 and 18 years who has a life-threatening illness.

Auckland City Mission provides unique and specialised health and social services to people in crisis, helping them to move forward. Rather than reinforce the cycle of need, they enable people to move towards long-term independence.

BCA BlueSky Workplace-Giving is a powerful way for all of us to make a real difference in our community by donating directly to charities that help the community. Baycorp Advantage as a company will support BCA BlueSky by matching all staff contributions up to a total of $100,000 annually.

If you would like any further information on the BCA Blue Sky program please contact the Blue Sky steering committee: BlueSky@baycorpadvantage.com.