We are featured in Quote!
September 24 2024
This month, we’re featured in Quote. "Come on! We belong to the richest 3% of the world. Shareholders even more so. Top companies that distribute large profits can surely spare a little, right?"
I was asked to defend the statement, "All companies should follow the example of Raymond Cloosterman, who donates 10% of Rituals' annual profits."
"Agreed! How can you not agree with this? The Netherlands is among the richest 3% in the world. And the profits paid out to shareholders belong to an even narrower top tier. It seems only fitting that a portion of this wealth goes to people in poverty, war victims, or towards nature."
"It’s both-and, not either-or. In that sense, I support the #Bcorp mindset: a company should be good internally, but also externally. That also means being there for the less fortunate."
Notable: It's good to see that Eric Idema personally stands behind this as well. Although he is against the statement, he still donates to the Hartekind Foundation, 'for those who had a less fortunate start in life.'
He also notices that the young people who come to work for them are very purpose-driven. "I can really tell from the young people who join my company; they ask all sorts of questions about this."
At The Social Handshake, we notice this as well. It's mainly young people, okay, let’s say Gen Z and Millennials, who embrace this donation mindset.
Through #LoonGift, they can support charities directly from their salary with tax benefits. This way, it costs less to give more. But more and more companies are also taking giving seriously. With The Social Handshake, we also help companies with Charity Gift Cards or major donations from a portion of their profits. Good examples set good precedents, and together, we make a much bigger impact!
And to top it all off, donating also pays off for companies. "Research at Harvard shows that companies that openly do good sell more products." It also encourages other companies to do the same. "So, go ahead and brag about it. In the Netherlands, we’re not so big on self-promotion – I find it uncomfortable myself – but ultimately, it’s functional." Good examples lead to more good deeds.
Thank you for the interview, Malu de Bont!