Monday 18 Jul 2011
July 18, 2011 – Leading residential agency McGrath Estate Agents have once again been recognised for their commitment to community service and fundraising, with the franchise team that operates in Sydney's Lower North Shore taking the honours.
McGrath Neutral Bay/Mosman/Northbridge has won the Franchise Council of Australia's "NSW Community Service Award". This NSW honour will automatically position them as a finalist in the national award to be judged in October.
The award is for excellence in community service by a franchisee and includes such things as the community groups and initiatives that their business has contributed to over the past 12 months as well as the outcomes and benefits to others from their involvement and contributions.
Gary Vouris, General Manager Franchise for McGrath Estate Agents said: "We are very proud that one of our franchisees not only reflects the culture of our company's community giving, but most importantly, has been pro-active and committed to having their team embrace community initiatives within their reach."
"This McGrath franchise was the only real estate finalist in these awards and was judged alongside all franchise brands in NSW. This is a great acknowledgement of their spirit of making a difference in their community."
Dean Mackie, Principal of McGrath's Neutral Bay/Mosman/Northbridge cited several of his company's initiatives that helped win the award: - Random Acts of McGrath
- Sponsorhips and Donations
- Fundraising
"We hope that we might also inspire others to something for their community and as a result, make a difference in other people's lives."
Mr. Mackie said that his agency has been involved with or supported at least 14 community groups during the last 12 months: including Cruise for a Cure, Make a Wish Foundation, Middle Harbour Public School, Beat the Blues Concert for the Black Dog Institute, the Australian Cancer Council and the McGrath Foundation, to name a few.
Mr. Mackie explained that community groups were chosen by certain parameters. "It is not just making a difference to the foundations, charities and the communities that benefit from our involvement, but to also make a difference with our team."
"I am committed to providing opportunities to our team to challenge themselves and support them in our own community activities. To this end, our team are given an additional 2-paid annual leave days per year to volunteer with a charity of their choice."
Mr. Mackie said that separate to company donations and sponsorships, they have raised over $39,000 in their fundraising efforts, that included the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal.
