Article contributed by Fred Lewis.
The generosity of BNI members never ceases to amaze – particularly in a time of crisis. You’ve probably heard about the water issues in Havelock North and how this is having repercussions with individuals and businesses. Some businesses can’t trade without clean water as well as having to deal with the impact in the home environment with family and friends. Alison Poulter, BNI Director Consultant for the Canterbury Region, was alerted to this crisis from one of her members and together they decided to do something for those affected in the Havelock North region.
BNI Wine Country – Business Lifestyle Photography by Hawkes Bay Photographer John Miles Photography
Alison remembered that Christchurch had huge national support in 2011 in the aftermath of the earthquakes and Canterbury chapters wanted to reciprocate this support to the wider BNI family with a little bit of Givers Gain. After the earthquakes $3000 was raised by Hawkes Bay members that went towards a big breakfast held in Christchurch. Members were also treated to a gift box put together that had treats like wine and chocolates. It was an extraordinary gift from one part of the BNI family to another.
BNI Wine Country – Business Lifestyle Photography by Hawkes Bay Photographer John Miles Photography
With this generosity in mind, Alison and Canterbury BNI members made an aim of getting everyone in Havelock North a free breakfast for a week. Emailing members in Canterbury, they requested a donation of $20. Within a week they had almost $2000 donated – enough for a free breakfast for every member in the Havelock North region.
BNI Hawkes Bay, photo by Jonathan Henning, Social Kiwi Limited
The importance of meeting weekly with fellow chapter members includes giving us strength in a time of chaos and Christchurch members decided to support this with the ‘buy a breakfast’ initiative. The donations meant the 90 plus members from BNI Wine Country, BNI Hawkes Bay and BNI Heretaunga were all treated to a free breakfast at their weekly meeting.
The members were overwhelmed with this generosity (it was a complete surprise) and wanted to express their very sincere gratitude to the Christchurch members for this extraordinary example of Givers Gain. Thanks again to Alison Poulter, Director Consultant, BNI Canterbury Region and all the members who made donations – the generosity of spirit the BNI family shows to each other is truly inspirational.
Fred Lewis, Director Consultant, BNI Hawkes Bay
