Our Stories

Written by Emily Whitehouse, So They Can’s Partnerships Manager

I went to see Mission Impossible at the weekend (no spoilers, I promise), and a mantra was repeated by IMF Agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team throughout the film – 

‘We live and die in the shadows for those we hold close and for those we never meet’.

It got me thinking about the decision-making process behind supporting international charities for businesses.

Support for local charities

I’ve worked at the intersection of businesses and charities for the past 25 years and have encountered several reasons why some companies only support domestic charities. 

For some, it’s because they want to build goodwill with the people and communities they directly serve or employ based on the belief that their customers and employees would prefer that they give back domestically. This might be because the issues they are addressing are more visible, or they believe their stakeholders would be more emotionally invested in their support of local charities. 

For others, it’s because giving domestically is perceived as being lower risk regarding mismanagement and misuse of funds. There’s comfort in working within a familiar legal and cultural framework.  

It’s also possible that some decision-makers believe that our current global issues are too big or overwhelming to address, and it’s believed that the business would be able to make more of an impact locally.

It’s therefore not surprising that some businesses question why they should partner with charities that support people on the other side of the world – people they’ll never meet and whose lives might seem far removed from their own and the lives of their customers. 

But the question, ‘Why should we give to strangers so far away?’ has a powerful answer: our shared humanity isn’t confined to borders. Here’s why businesses’ support for international NGOs matters now, even more than ever.

1. Because humanity is universal

We all live on planet Earth and deserve safety, dignity, opportunity and hope. When we choose to help someone, regardless of where they live, we connect to a more profound truth: that geography should never limit compassion.

It reminds me of this cartoon by Simon Kneebone, which first appeared in Australia Options magazine (discussions for social justice and political change) in 2015. It blew my mind when I saw it, and I always return to it – it rings true for all our significant current global issues. 

2. Because global inequality is unfair, but also fixable

The world’s most vulnerable people didn’t choose their circumstances. They were born into poverty, conflict zones, or regions suffering from decades of exploitation. The wealth and stability enjoyed by many of us in the world have often come at a cost to others. Those of us who can help, including businesses, have a moral imperative to redress global imbalances and inequalities, especially when there are proven ways to do it. So They Can, for example, has a model that fosters locally-led sustainable development, building long-term economic, social, and environmental capital in communities and addressing poverty for the long term. 

3. Because global challenges affect us all

The challenges we face in today’s interconnected world, such as rising inequality, human rights violations, persistent poverty, and climate change, aren’t confined by borders. They’re global in scale and significance, demanding collective action from all corners of society. 

For example, the link between educating girls in Kenya and addressing the climate emergency is stronger than many people might realise. In a 2017 initiative called Project Drawdown, global experts on climate solutions ranked the top 100 most effective solutions to reverse global warming, and educating girls came in at #6 (higher than rooftop solar panels and electric vehicles).

While governments and non-profits continue to play vital roles, businesses can step into the spotlight as proactive agents of global change. Companies can invest in a more peaceful, resilient, equitable world for everyone by supporting international aid efforts.

4. Because giving is good for you, AND your business

Giving doesn’t just change lives; it also changes perspectives. It reminds us that despite national borders and geography, we’re more alike than different. Wherever you live, you can be part of something bigger: a global movement of compassion, solidarity and hope. The meaning behind this is even more powerful when we’re helping strangers because it reflects the values that we hold dear. 

Looking out for others is good for our health and prosperity – it helps us thrive. It relates to the African concept of Ubuntu (I am because of you) – something So They Can’s CEO and Co-Founder, Cassandra Treadwell, believes we should all embrace for our own sake and others. 

The same applies to businesses when it comes to Ubuntu and the benefits of giving. Most employees want more than just a salary – they also want purpose. Supporting global causes offers employees a sense of pride and belonging. Companies that actively contribute to solving our significant global challenges see higher employee engagement, stronger morale, and improved retention. It sends a clear message to their teams: as a business, we care and act.

Increasing numbers of customers are also looking for more than just a product or service from businesses – they’re looking for transparency, accountability and ethical and sustainable practices. Brands that take a stand on big global issues resonate with conscious consumers.

I’ve recently had the pleasure of working with the team at Lesaffre, a global company in the fermentation industry. In every conversation I’ve had with their team members, one thing has stood out: They genuinely live their mission—better nourishing and protecting the planet. 

From sustainable innovation in fermentation to their commitment to global food security, they’re not just talking the talk. They’re building real, sustainable solutions that make a difference—and their employees take pride in that. Through our partnership (together, we’re addressing child hunger), we’re also highlighting their values within the food industry, with speaking opportunities at conferences they might not have otherwise had and a recent win for an industry community award.

I’ve also had the privilege of working alongside the team at Get RARE Properties, an Australian Property Buyer’s Agency that has been supporting So They Can’s work to end child poverty since 2021. As Founders, Rupali and Rasti Vaibhav observe:

“It’s a values-based partnership grounded in transparency, measurable outcomes, and long-term change, the same standards we apply to every investment we recommend.” 

They were motivated to partner with us as our approach mirrored their own philosophy: invest long-term, create lasting value, and leave something better behind. 

As well as positively impacting their wellbeing, partnering with us has also been good for business:

“This journey has given our family a deeper sense of what really matters. As business owners, it’s easy to focus on performance and growth, but this partnership has shifted our conversations from success to significance. Giving isn’t a cost to your business. It’s a catalyst. It shapes culture, attracts the right people, and builds a brand with soul. We’ve seen firsthand how purpose attracts loyalty, trust, and meaningful partnerships. Within our team, it has fostered pride and unity. Among our clients, it’s sparked conversations about purpose. One client recently shared, ‘This isn’t just about property anymore. I feel like I’m part of something bigger.‘”

I’m excited by what we can achieve together, and motivated by the energy that comes from working alongside people who care deeply about the future.

Many businesses have the resources and reach to contribute to solving our big global issues, and now is the time to step up. Let’s invest generously and globally, doing this for those we hold close and those we never meet.

Is your business ready to make a difference that goes beyond borders? So They Can is fighting for gender equality, human rights, and the end of child poverty, and we’d love to explore a partnership with you. Your employees, customers, and future self will thank you for it. Please email me to start the journey: emily@sotheycan.org.