When faced with a crisis, you might feel powerless. 
But there are many ways we can all help. You can fuel social change with what you chose to buy. 


In the past, people were motived by just price and quality when considering what to buy. Now, there is a third purchasing motivator – impact.   

With 1 million Australians unemployed and 3.5 million Australians on JobKeeper, we are facing a growing social crisis.  It’s a sobering reminder that many Australians are facing homelessness.

 

Staff loving their produce at Moonrabbit

 

Crises like this have helped to increase demand for the Social Enterprise model.  Social Enterprises are businesses existing to benefit the community.  This in in contrast to the traditional business model of benefiting owners and shareholders. 

 

Delivery box from STREAT

 

The influence of a Social Enterprises can be powerful as they have a double impact.  Firstly, they make a direct contribution.  Some make a $ contribution or employ disadvantaged people.  Secondly, they build awareness that leads and drives policy change.  Their customers feel empowered knowing that by buying from a social enterprise they are helping to make a difference.

As we face a growing homelessness crisis, how can you make a purchase that drives positive change? 

 

Here are 5 Melbourne Social Enterprises who are helping to tackle homelessness: 

 

#GoKindly sells Australian made pillows and donates 50% of profits to charities supporting women experiencing homelessness. Since launching in 2019, #GoKindly has donated $8,000 to charities supporting women in need.  #GoKindly is a certified Social Enterprise by Social Traders.

 

Enable provides IT recycling services and provides disadvantaged jobseekers with on-the-job experience through supportive work and learning programs.  

 

 

Moonrabbit is a cafe based in the northern suburbs of Melbourne that gives disadvantaged training opportunities.

 

 

STREAT operates hospitality businesses around Melbourne that employ at-risk youth.

 

 

Society Melbourne operate businesses including cafes that donate profits to Launch Housing who provide homelessness services to disadvantaged Victorians.

 

The cafes mentioned above have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 but have adapted to cater for take-away, home delivery, and more.

The growing number of Social Enterprises are offering a way to empower consumers to make a social impact. Keep visiting DoSomethingNearYou to find out how social enterprises are creating positive change.

 

David Conti
Co-Founder of #GoKindly
david@gokindly.com.au | 0408956056
www.gokindly.com.au

14 August, 2020