PKF Australia's corporate social responsiblity program, PKF Connect,  involves staff members working with the Daystar and Ardoch Foundation's Literacy Programmes.

Through the program staff act as corporate buddies sending and receiving letters from student buddies. The program aims to enhance the students' literacy skills and provide them with corporate role models.

After a year of writing letters, the PKF buddies across the ECP (East Coast Practice) had the opportunity to meet their little buddies as we hosted Christmas parties for them.

Sydney
PKF gave each of the little buddies a small present and all of the PKF staff bought their buddy a gift. I played Santa for the afternoon handing out gifts and some of the partners also got into the spirit of things and sat on Santa's knee!

The buddies all made personalised Christmas tree baubles and Christmas cards and enjoyed lunch before playing with their presents and having a tour around the office. They also sang the PKF buddies a Lean on Me remix to say thank you.

Melbourne
Everyone played party games including pin the nose on Santa, pass the parcel and musical statues, before enjoying morning tea and opening their presents.

Some of the PKF buddies also attended their little buddies' graduation from year six which included a dancing and singing show.

Brisbane
The party goers enjoyed some Christmas crafts, making a Christmas wreath and reindeers out of hands, before lunch and presents.

The little buddies then challenged some of the PKF buddies to an arm wrestle and a push up competition, and the little buddies quickly put our PKF buddies to shame!

Getting involved
Since the parties we have received new interest in becoming a buddy. On that basis we will sponsor a second class of children in Sydney, and continue to sponsor a class in Brisbane and Melbourne so you can have the opportunity to be a buddy next year if you wish. PKF

If you are interested in becoming a buddy, please contact:

Brisbane: Simone Thomas
Melbourne: Francesca Murone
Sydney: Anita Langborne and Heather Booth