1% Club motivated by mission

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Alumni and friends donate $140,000 from wages

Brenton Stacey
Public relations officer
Avondale College of Higher Education
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia

Alumni and friends of Avondale have raised more than $140,000 for mission by donating a small percentage of their wages over the past three years.

The 1% Club began in response to Ministry of Teaching Overseas, both initiatives of secondary education course convenor Jason Hinze. Students wanted to leave a longer-term legacy, he says.
Credit: Sara Thompson.

The 1% Club helps build schools, change lives, feed orphans and pay teachers, says founder Jason Hinze, a lecturer and secondary education course convenor in the college of higher education’s School of Education.

It began in response to Ministry of Teaching Overseas (MOTO), which is also an initiative of Jason’s. MOTO sees students completing a three-week teaching experience in a developing country. The students wanted to leave a longer-term legacy. A number go back to the schools once they graduate, says Jason. “The schools have a special place in their heart,” says Jason.

The 1% Club had 20 members this past year who donated at least one per cent of their wage each pay—for a total of $41,597. Most are Avondale staff members. At the end of the financial year, Jason presents to them several projects needing support. Each member then decides where their money will go.

All money donated to the 1% Club goes to the projects, which this year include:

  • AoZora Adventist Academy in Bodh Gaya, India—AoZora will use the money to help feed the dozen students for whom the principal cares and to buy books and clothing for other students.
  • Wat Preah Yesu orphanage and school in Siem Reap, Cambodia—Wat Preah Yesu will use the money to help clothe and feed the students and to pay fees for children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to gain an education.
  • Jombok Hoas, an adventure learning centre operated by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in Cambodia (almost $4500)—Jombok Hoas will use the money to fund teams of young adults who would not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the experience.
  • Avondale student mission club One Mission ($3000)—One Mission will use the money to recruit and train leaders.
  • 3 Angels Nepal—3 Angels Nepal will use the money to help fund the school it operates, safe houses for women and rural evangelism.

The School of Education has an existing relationship with each project. This helps build connection. “It’s like giving money to a member of your family,” says Jason.

“You don’t even realise it’s coming out of your salary,” says assistant marketing manager Alyssa Faith, a 1% Club member this past year. “I’ve always wanted to give to charity but never gotten around to doing it. So, when this opportunity came, I said yes. Your small contribution can make a big difference.”

Contact Jason Hinze ([email protected]) to join the 1% Club. Donations are tax deductible.