The partnership between 7-Eleven and AMES Australia has collected a bronze in the Most Innovative Partnership category in the Workplace Giving Australia Awards.  This is the second time 7-Eleven’s community partnership program has won this award, last year achieving a silver award for our work with food rescue organisation, SecondBite.

Designed to help refugees and migrants live, learn and work in Australia, the partnership with AMES  is focused on new and enterprising ways to build social and economic participation for migrants and refugees choosing life in Australia.  Supporting the creation of opportunities for AMES clients to gain skills, experience and confidence to join the workforce, more than 370 students have already benefited from the partnership through the mutual transfer of expertise, skills and connections.

In addition to corporate financial support and matched workplace giving, 7-Eleven team members volunteer in the Skilled Professional Migrants Program, helping students with mock interviews and job hunting practice and advice. Other program participants are part of regular visits to the 7-Eleven Support Office where they are encouraged to connect with various members of the team and find out more about employment options and gain an understanding of how an Australian office workplaces operates. These volunteering opportunities have been supported throughout the entire business with senior leaders, board members, and a range of team members volunteering to assist AMES students.

7-Eleven CEO Angus McKay said the win was a “wonderful outcome and fine recognition of what we are collectively trying to achieve (within this partnership).

The Australian Workplace Giving judges said the program was “a great example of a well aligned partnership infused across the organisation with leadership support.”

AMES Australia CEO Catherine Scarth said the recognition for a partnership that is a little over 12 months old was fantastic.

“Receiving a Bronze Award for Most Innovative Partnership at the Workplace Giving Australia Awards, we think is impressive for what is still a relatively young partnership. It was the first time that we have entered these awards, so this great result feeds our determination to continue to work with 7-Eleven Australia and other workplace givers on more innovative initiatives.”

We’re really proud to be able to support AMES in the work they do, and look forward to another exciting year of working together.