Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is rising once again to the top as one of the business world’s most important components.
Simply put, CSR encompasses all the voluntary activities of a business that generate a positive impact on the social fabric of its communities.
The concept of giving back to the community is not something new to business owners. It is not part of an MBA program nor was it developed by an astute accounting firm. It goes back to ancient times. Platonic Academy’s philosophical dictionary defined Philanthropia as: “A state of well-educated habits stemming from love of humanity. A state of being productive … of benefit to humans.”
Modern philanthropy in business or CSR, had its start from owners who had a genuine interest in enhancing the lives of people in the places where they conducted their business. They did it voluntarily with no expectation of gain. It was simply the right thing to do.
Notable examples of philanthropists from the last century were Carnegie, Vanderbilt, Massey and Bronfman — to name just a few. Wealthy people, to be sure, but today you don’t have to be a billionaire or even a millionaire to introduce the concept of corporate social responsibility to your business.
Here in the Comox Valley there are a number of businesses and business organizations that have established funds to benefit local people. Administered through the Community Foundation, these funds provide businesses and their employees with a means of helping to enhance the quality of life for their fellow citizens.
Presley & Partners, Swift Datoo Law Corporation, DeLuca Veale Investment Counsel, Comox Valley InsuraCentre, Meyers Norris Penny and the Comox Valley Desk Top Publishers Association are just a few business related organizations that see the value in joining together under the umbrella of the Community Foundation to help the many charitable organizations that are looking for financial support.
To find out how you can implement a special fund in your company’s name that will add to your social responsibility plans, visit the Foundation’s website for contact information. A volunteer representative will be delighted to assist you as we all work towards enriching life here in the Comox Valley. www.cvcfoundation.org
