They say that entrepreneurs start businesses because they want to do something that they enjoy.  I believe that.  I also believe that those of us who have started a Business want it to reflect our personal values.

I remember that, when I was employed in my ‘first career’ as a manager, we were reminded about studies involving Employee engagement.  These studies show that employees leave an organisation when they don’t feel that it matches their value system.  If the business reflects your values – you’ll be a happy employee.

So, I decided that when my practice was large enough, I wanted to give back to the local community by supporting dog adoptions and welfare.  Agencies involved in animal welfare always need money to operate and are financially stressed on a regular basis.  I decided to use my fundraising skills through organising and sponsoring an annual fundraiser.

This is my third year organising an event and the beneficiary is Second Chance Dog Rescue.

This fundraiser has a Second Chance theme – also Reflecting my interests in the environment and sustainability.  It’s a swap party – and everyone who attends is being asked to bring a good, used item to swap with others.  We’ll also accept donations of good, used toys and other items for the rescue.

This means that the environment wins as much as the dogs.  And I think it will be an entertaining Sunday afternoon – 21 May 2017.

I’ll let you know how it goes after the event.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand