What did winning this award mean for your team and your organisation?
The entire fundraising team of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) came together to attend the FIA Awards Dinner back at the end of February, which was lovely within itself. It was nice to be a guest at a Gala dinner, all on one table, and not behind the scenes working it, like we all do for our RFDS annual Gala. It was lovely to frock up, and enjoy each other’s company socially. It was an added (unexpected) privilege to have won the national Fundraising Team of the Year Award. There was so much excitement and joy expressed that moment our team name was called out as the winners to come up on stage. Winning the award was amazing, and brought us even closer together, which I didn’t know was possible.
How has it impacted on your work in terms of campaign strategies, staff morale etc?
The announcement of this award was shared via email personally, with pride, by our CEO, Meredith Staib to the entire organisation, it not only raised our profile in the fundraising industry on the night, but also with the RFDS. It also showed us the importance of fundraising as a profession and integral part of the organisation. We all continue to want to strive harder; one of our team members, Heather often says “is this what a leading Fundraising team would do?” – wise words to follow.
Briefly tell us about your team and what makes them so successful?
We have an incredible team, happy to support each other professionally and personally, and look out for one another and collaborate on initiatives. While this has been the case for some time, the recent pandemic has highlighted it even further. Less than a month after this Award was announced, COVID-19 hit. Our team has continued to support each other, we hold regular check-in Zoom catch up calls, and work in A-B shifts in the office, always putting the donor front and centre and, ensuring our loyal supporters are looked after. Everyone has helped where they can to process donations and responding to their needs as they are used to; as they too help to keep the Flying Doctor flying.
We’ve also had significant change recently with our leader, Katherine Ash going on maternity leave and having two new team members starting. Erin McCabe joined our team during COVID, I haven’t met her face to face yet, however, she shared this with me this morning after my post on LinkedIn (attached) “I was really worried when I joined that I was going to struggle to get to know anyone or even feel a part of the team with everyone working from home. I can’t tell you how opposite my actual experience has been. So I agree with you wholeheartedly and thank you for making me feel welcome and part of the team”. It’s been over three months now that our team has worked from home due to the pandemic, and we are as strong now as a team, if not stronger, than before this occurred.
What advice or suggestions can you give to other members considering submitting an awards nomination? Why should they enter?
If your team shows pride and you’re proud of all your efforts you do for your organisation and each other – absolutely submit your team to be nominated for this award, why wouldn’t you!
