Since 2008, JB Hi-Fi has been demonstrating what’s possible when a business and its people unite around giving. The Helping Hands program has grown into one of Australia’s most impactful workplace giving initiatives, delivering more than $40 million in donations and creating lasting partnerships with 10 charity organisations across diverse cause areas.
Origins and Vision
Helping Hands was born from a desire to provide a simple, structured, and powerful way for JB Hi-Fi team members and leaders to contribute to their communities. What began with payroll giving to five charity partners has since expanded to ten long-term partnerships, alongside innovative initiatives such as in-store fundraising, “Change for Change” money collection bins, reusable bag sales, and the 50 Favours project, which connects the team with hands-on volunteering and support opportunities.
From the outset, JB’s senior leadership committed to donate to the program and the company endorsed uncapped donation matching. This early commitment sent a clear message: every contribution matters, and the business would back its team wholeheartedly.
Engagement and Participation
Helping Hands is woven into the fabric of JB Hi-Fi’s culture. New starters hear about the program during onboarding and induction, and across the many internal communications channels like SoundCheck, Viva Engage, and Backstage. The dedicated JB Helping Hands champions’ network ensures that energy and engagement remain strong at a store and team level.
Participation rates tell the story of this being part of the culture: in FY24/25, 63% of team members contributed weekly through payroll giving, including nearly a quarter of peak trade casuals – a remarkable result that underscores the authenticity and value of the program.
Tangible Community Impact
The program’s impact has been profound. For example:
- Redkite: 7,000 hours of emotional and mental health support for families facing childhood cancer.
- Fred Hollows Foundation: 4,845 cataract surgeries performed and more than 143,000 Indigenous Australians screened for eye health.
- Kids Under Cover: Expansion of studio housing programs into a second state, keeping young people safe from homelessness.
- McAuley: Kick-starting the “Safe at Home” initiative to protect women and children experiencing family violence.
Beyond payroll giving, JB’s in-store fundraising campaigns alone have raised $2.8 million, while disaster relief donations and one-off initiatives have extended support far beyond the core ten partners.
A Lasting Legacy
Helping Hands stands as a benchmark for corporate workplace giving in Australia. Its success comes not just from financial contributions but from the deep connection between JB Hi-Fi, its team members, and the communities they serve. With creativity, commitment, and collaboration at its core, the program continues to evolve, proving that when business and people give together, they can transform lives.
