Charities list for 2008-9 (Update: 1% for the planet campaign)

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. - Mahatma (Mohandes) Gandhi

Here is a list of the charities to which toddmontgomery consultancy (tmc) will donate in 2009 as part of its 1% for the planet commitment (which was inspired by Yves Chouinard of Let My People Go Surfing fame).

The choice of these charities was guided by an overarching theme of good stewardship of the planet. Inspired as well by the quote above from Gandhi, the particular focus is the care of the natural habitat of wild animals, of the animals themselves, and of those animals who help take care of people.

Of the many deserving organizations that do this work, the intention is to celebrate and care for Australia, the unique land that has been home base and headquarters of tm for nearly two years now, while also reaching out to the wider global community.

(Note: display of the logos and images associated with these organizations on this site is meant to promote them, to support their work and to encourage people to seek information and involvement with them; it in no way implies their support of or affiliation with tmc.)

1) As I wrote previously, The Manly Environment Centre (MEC) shopfront started in 1991 as a unique combination of community, Council and local corporate sponsors. It was the first Australian suburban environment centre and is well established as an organisation actively dedicated to the health of the local environment.


2) Reef Check Australia is part of the official United Nations community-based coral reef monitoring program, made up of a global network of volunteers who regularly monitor and report on reef health.


Coral reefs around the world are under enormous pressure from human activities and climate change. Although Australia’s reefs are among the best managed in the world, they are not immune to these threats. Reef Check offers a way for the public to help look after our coral reefs.

3) I've supported the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) ever since I founded a student environmental group in high school. I believe their work is more important now than ever. I'll let them tell it in their own words:

Simply put: we're in the business of saving our one and only planet.
And yup - that's a dramatic, grandiose and a possibly pompous statement.

But at its core essence, it is in fact true. We like the planet we have. We love the life that lives on it. And we want to make sure that it's there for you to see next year, and in 5 years, and 10, and for your children... and for your grandchildren.

4) The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is the principal non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the conservation and effective management of the wild koala and its habitat. Among other things, it has grown to become the world's largest funding body of koala research, has mapped 4 million hectares of land for koala habitat as part of its award-winning Koala Habitat Atlas, has educated and engaged the community in conservation, and has achieved greater protection for koalas and their habitat. All of this has been achieved without any government funding.

5) The Penguin Foundation was established to protect and preserve one of Australia’s most important natural assets – the Little Penguins.
The Penguin Foundation raises and allocates funds to projects ranging from penguin rescue and rehabilitation in the event of a man-made disaster; to building new penguin nesting areas; monitoring penguin health and behaviour; and protecting the Little Penguins’ natural environment. Resources will also be used to undertake other associated wildlife and conservation activities on and around Phillip Island.




6) The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) exists "For a world where animal welfare matters, and animal cruelty ends." For 25 years, WSPA has aimed to promote the concept of animal welfare in regions of the world where there are few, if any, measures to protect animals.




7) Seeing Eye Dogs Australia (SEDA) is the only national trainer and provider of Seeing Eye Dogs for the blind or vision impaired of Australia. In its 48 year history, SEDA has graduated over 950 Seeing Eye Dogs. If you are going to put your trust and life on the line every day based on the ability, training and skill of a Seeing Eye Dog, you will understand why there can be no second best. In fact, it costs approximately AUD$30,000 and takes up to two years of intensive training for one Seeing Eye Dog to graduate with a client. With no government funding, SEDA's work and survival depends on the generosity of volunteers and donors.


So that's the list. Periodically through the year I'll write posts giving longer accounts of tm's involvement with each these organizations, to provide more details on the good work that they do. All the best for 2009!
TM