GIVING IS GOOD
The Good Giving Guide, compiled by Lyn Amy and Mary Pearce and published by Penguin, provides details of Australia's 100 biggest charities, including finance information supplied by charity researchers Givewell. The book was largely inspired by Australians' proven history of helping those in need. "In the 12 months to January 2005, 87 per cent of us gave to a not-for-profit organisation," the authors claim. In that period, $5.7 billion was donated. Royalties from sales of the book ($26.95rrp) go to the Australian Charities Fund.
AND THE WINNER IS ...
Victoria's largest credit union, mecu, was awarded "Best New Entrant" in the Australia-New Zealand Corporate Responsibility Index. The announcement was made in front of the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, at the National Business Leaders Forum on Sustainable Development in Canberra. Forty companies took part in this year's index, including 12 new entrants. The index is assessed on a range of issues, including community investment, biodiversity, climate change, occupational health and safety and work-life balance.
SAFETY-FIRST INVESTING
Esanda has conducted research into Australian investment sentiment. The overall result is that despite the economic downturn, 97 per cent of Australians surveyed are still willing to invest. Of these, 43 per cent prefer property, 19 per cent prefer shares and debentures and 16 per cent prefer bank deposits. However 56 per cent said they prefer safer investments with a guaranteed but lower rate of return.
CASH BY NAME, CHEQUE BY NATURE
As mentioned on the Fun Facts segment on David Letterman's Late Show, Johnny Cash always paid by cheque.
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