By Corey Everitt
Even though times have been tough in the building industry, Officer’s SJD Homes still prioritises helping others as they work within the Cardinia Foundation – saying giving back is needed ‘now more than ever’.
The local home builder has been around for almost 20 years and in that time helping out the community has been part of their work.
In the last year, the business became a cornerstone partner of the Cardinia Foundation to join the efforts to help those in need in our local area.
SJD Homes director Simon Dunstan said the process was a natural ‘synergy’ of a common effort.
“We think giving at a local level is where we like to be, that was probably the most attractive feature of the foundation,” Dunstan said.
“Starting in our own backyard where our staff and clients call home, it makes sense.”
Through their work they will help the foundation to further support local groups who uphold the community whether it be from sporting clubs to relief work.
“It’s encouraging to see the diversity of the board members, it gives me a really good insight, they have the full time staff that are able to reach out to people in need, the vulnerable,” Dunstan said.
“I think it’s the right thing to do, if you are in a position to give back, it’s great for the culture we are creating in our business.”
Dunstan said it’s something the entire business can be collectively involved in, giving extra purpose to employees in helping others.
SJD Homes has weathered the storm in the building industry over the past year but this did not stop the company from supporting locals in need.
In Dunstan’s view, it gave more impetus to do what they can despite the industry’s strain.
“It’s one of those things I think every company that is in operation should get involved, it’s tough out there but now is where we need to all step up as the community,” he said.
“If we are finding it tough, then there are other people doing worse without a job or struggling with a home, it’s now more than ever.”
You can find out more about Cardinia Foundation’s partnership program at cardiniafoundation.org/partnerships-2/
