OD11 digital HR - Flipbook - Page 96
FORCE FOR GOOD
IIOFF
UPDATE
BRIDGING THE GAP
The trustees of the Invest in Our Future Foundation (IIOFF), an ODU initiative
designed to bridge the gap between a boy’s schooling and an OD’s future career,
are proud to report that, since its formation in 2020, its reach and impact
are growing steadily
T
he IIOFF is a relatively new
arm of the ODU, considering
the union’s long history.
Since inception, it has raised
more than R2-million. In total,
eight ODs have received assistance
as financial contributions to their
studies, with a total of R1.7-million
being allocated. It is heartening
to report that each recipient has
excelled in his academic studies
and has been a credit to the ODU
and to Bishops. Bursaries for
a further two ODs have been
approved at time of publication.
How we operate
Funds are raised via various events,
such as the Bishops Carnival and
class reunions, as well as through
private donations and corporate
assistance. The ODU provides
no funds to support the IIOFF.
But the IIOFF has evolved,
and is no longer just about
fundraising. In collaboration with
the OD Mentoring Programme
and the Bishops Support Unit,
trustees have been called
upon on several occasions
to assist with mentorship,
job recruitment, business
guidance and even logistical
support for ODs travelling abroad.
94 | THE OLD DIOCESAN
The IIOFF is a long-term ODU
project; for this reason, the trustees
are actively searching for interested
ODs who may provide networking
and other support in our quest to
build a sustainable Foundation.
Citadel has been a reassuring
partner in our endeavours,
particularly in our applications
to become a Public Benefit
Organisation (meaning that
donors may claim tax relief),
as well as by providing a large
corporate sponsorship. Thanks
are also due to the ODU office –
in particular Paul Murray, Dedry
Weich and Lynn Swanevelder –
for their assistance and support.
Our mission
While the ODU has a symbiotic
relationship with the Bishops
Trust and contributes towards
the various bursary funds, our
challenge at the IIOFF is to support
boys once they have left school.
Leaving the protective environment
of the school campus and going
out into the world is a daunting
prospect for any young man –
but even more so if you do not
have the necessary financial
and emotional support.
We bridge that gap.
INTERESTED
IN HELPING?
Contact Dedry Weich at the
ODU at odu@bishops.org.za
or visit odiioff.com.
The IIOFF was awarded
Public Benefit Organisation
(PBO) status in 2024,
meaning it is exempt
from tax as a non-profit
organisation. Contributors
to the IIOFF may claim
tax exemption on their
donations. This is a
significant milestone for
the IIOFF and will enable
it to pursue its fundraising
more aggressively.
The IIOFF Trustees are
James Sedgwick (1976F),
David MacGregor (1979O),
Sanjay Daya (1994G) and
Simon Burrow (1968F).
