The school playground may not be the first place one would consider to embark on a philanthropic project, but this is where the committee of Talk in Company (TIC), a social network with a charitable edge, first met.
Formed just a year ago by a trio of mothers and one father, TIC has firmly established its regular charitable lunches as must-do events for the many formerly professional women who are now at-home mums, as well as small-business owners, in Wandsworth, south London, who were in desperate need of a stimulating social outlet.
And, it is the innovative formula of inspirational speaker, Friday lunch and giving back via the speaker’s nominated charity that holds the key to its growing success.
“We wanted to do something that would make a difference, and also to find a way to make the participants feel comfortable to hear about charities,” explained Maria Stuff, TIC’s marketing manager. “Yes,” said finance officer Catherine Deptford, “from the outset we wanted to give back, and all our speakers give 20% of their profit from the event to charity. Ninety per cent of the attendees to our events are women, with some local businessmen and dads joining us, and a lot of them do charitable work, so this is a way they can also give and learn more about the speakers’ charities.”
Through the speakers, who have included Nicola Horlick and Mike Dixon, TIC has so far supported seven charities and the plan is to continue developing the giving theme.
Along with their colleagues, membership officer Deborah Davidson and events organiser Mark Solon, they are planning a philanthropy day in June, to help “make giving easier” for their members, and will provide a philanthropist as a key speaker and a variety of taster workshops on different ways of giving.
“We know our community and what they will be interested in,” said Stuff, “and we want to introduce giving to them in a way that plants seeds for the future.”
To find out more about TIC and their events visit the website - Talk In Company.
