Business students from The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle Campus have helped people in need in the community get back on their feet through an engaging social business initiative.
As part of the University’s internship program, Business students joined industry partners from Titan Digital Marketing Agency and Macquarie Bank and were tasked with setting up a social business to sell pairs of bright orange socks as part of a competition for the not-for-profit organisation, On My Feet.
Each team, comprising two Notre Dame students and two industry mentors, had to develop a business plan and then execute it to sell 300 pairs of socks using clever marketing, business development and administrative techniques.
The team that has generated the most revenue when the competition ends on 31 May will be judged the winning team. The funds raised will be invested in On My Feet’s work in helping improve the wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness.
Founded by Perth resident Keegan Crage, On My Feet uses running to assist those at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness or unemployment to achieve greater self-worth, a sense of purpose and, ultimately, a pathway to self-sufficiency.
The charity has chapters in Fremantle, Rockingham, Perth and Melbourne and is currently working on chapters elsewhere in Australia.
Each chapter uses running and a sense of community to improve physical and mental health, as well as to inspire participants to make better decisions that result in improved life outcomes, including living circumstances, employment opportunities and family/relationship networks.
Notre Dame Business Society Vice President Tegan Murphy said, not only were Notre Dame students provided with a tremendous opportunity to learn about how to run a business in a controlled environment, but they had also made a difference to people and groups experiencing challenging circumstances.
“On My Feet is doing something completely different to other organisations that seek to help the homeless. By supporting them, we are not just providing a meal or a blanket, but also a future,” Ms Murphy said.
“Through this experience, I hope to obtain the practical skills needed to run and manage a successful business. The access to mentors means that we are not having to work alone or start from scratch; we already have a wealth of knowledge to draw upon.
“If this organisation can help these people get jobs and make a permanent, positive impact on their lives, why wouldn’t I want to be a part of it?”
Notre Dame Accounting Professor Derek Parkin worked with Mr Crage to develop this opportunity for Notre Dame students to gain hands-on experience with a not-for-profit organisation.
He said students had been given the change to experience, first-hand, what it takes to start up and run a micro enterprise in a competitive business environment.
“More so, though, I am delighted that they have freely offered their time and energy in support of a truly meaningful cause, the On My Feet project,” Professor Parkin said.