Each year RSM firms around the world take a day out of their busy schedules to reflect, refresh, and unite as a part of World Day.

The theme for 2020 was ‘Be Curious.’ As most of our global network are still working from home, there was an emphasis placed on virtual activities. Fortunately for us in Aotearoa New Zealand, we were able to do a little more in our local communities.

Our team based on the North Shore opted for a Beach Clean-up, covering the sandy coasts that stretches from Milford to Takapuna. It was a great opportunity to make a small difference to the local environment.

The team were surprised by the amount of litter collected: plastic scraps, bottle caps, jandals, cans, bottles… and a fully operational iPhone! (Good news: the iPhone owner was located soon after)

A fulfilling day outdoors for the team; A chance to give back to the community, soak up the sun and enjoy plenty of laughs along the way.

On the other side of the Harbour Bridge, the mission was to bring some much deserved smiles on the faces of kids that needed them most. We teamed up with Middlemore Foundation, who helped us distribute 200 backpacks full of goodies to children in South Auckland.

Our staff at Highbrook converted our office into a factory line, and together we turned boxes of product into backpacks full of love.

Through the generosity of some local businesses we were able to include products for school – stationery, books, drink bottles, a lunch box as well as toys and other goodies.

These backpacks were distributed (via Middlemore Foundation) to MAC (Multi Agency Centre) in Manukau, Auckland. MAC is a Children Protection service that offers interviews and counselling for any child under 18 who has experienced any form of abuse.

Each child (under 18 years) that is seen by MAC receives a gift upon leaving. As a firm, we are proud to support such important work.

RSM World Day is always a special date in the RSM calendar. It is a chance for all of us within RSM to spend time learning more about each other and to reflect on new ways to strengthen connections with clients and our communities.

For Photos from our North Shore Beach Clean & Backpack Activity, please head to our Facebook page.

Thank you to the kind local businesses who supported our Backpack activity for the kids!