Nodifi’s 12 Days of Christmas campaign has come to an end, but not before bringing Christmas cheer, heartwarming stories and evidence that community spirit is alive and well.
Over 12 consecutive days, 13 donations were made – 12 daily donations and one major donation – all on behalf of Nodifi partners and their nominated charities. A total of almost $3,000 was donated.
Renowned charities Beyond Blue, Australian Red Cross and Movember duly received nominations, however it was the not-so-known charities that hit closest to home for most.
But that wasn’t the end of the donations, with Empyre Group CEO, Joe Ahmad – a daily donation recipient – also making an additional contribution to their nominated cause, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. The institute conducts research into autoinflammatory diseases, a disease that has impacted Joe’s family.
Nodifi Head of Partnerships, Peter Holman, says the initiative was greatly received within the Nodifi community, and was especially pleasing that funds were directed to charities close to the hearts of Nodifi partners.
“Many have written off 2020 as a year to forget, and it’s hard to argue with many Australians and their families placed in difficult circumstances. However, we hope this initiative has played a small part in brightening the lives of those that are doing it tough.”
“Also a special mention to Joe Ahmad for his contribution – a wonderful selfless act that epitomises the good in our community.”
Something that became apparent during the campaign was the number of partners that have experienced heightened levels of anguish. Autopact’s National Head of Financial Services, Don Holden, is one of those individuals – a recipient of a daily donation.
In July of this year, Don was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was subsequently presented with two options. The first, do nothing and potentially live for another 10 years. The second, have robotic surgery to have his prostate removed, with the potential to endure challenging side effects for years to come.
Don chose the latter, undergoing surgery in October in what proved to be a success – Don should make a full recovery with minimal side effects.
As Don recounts, he’s one of the lucky ones.
“Having been diagnosed with prostate cancer, I know first hand the anguish this disease causes. I’m one of the lucky ones having had it detected early, however others aren’t so lucky. That’s why I want to create awareness for this debilitating disease, so that others can also be ‘lucky ones’.”
“Not only does Movember promote awareness, they also support men dealing mental health issues and suicide prevention – that resonates strongly with me.”
Nodifi CEO, Tom Caesar, says the initiative touched the hearts of many, however we mustn’t forget the untold stories,
“For every story that was uncovered, there are many more stories that are yet to be told. To those going through tough times, we want to send them our best wishes – just know that you are not alone in your journey.”
The Full Charity List
Driven by Freedom: Australian Red Cross
Autopact: Movember
Harley Heaven Sydney: Beyond Blue
emoney: Friends with Dignity
Kilu Financial Services: 1079 Life
Peter Norbury Motors: Aruma
Finance 4 Life: Rally for a Cause
Empyre Group: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Ken Mills Toyota: SunnyKids
Beer Auto Group Seymour: Dunroamin
Mornington Mazda: Tour de Cure
Mulcahy & Co Financial Services: Northern Mallee Leaders
Major – Bay City Auto Group: Dogs for Kids
