Network Ten’s workplace giving program TEN Gives has donated more than $1 million in cash and value to UnLtd charities in its first year.

In addition to regular staff payroll donations and a number of significant fundraising activities, Network Ten’s substantial contribution to the youth not-for-profit sector over the past 12 months has seen employees generously giving their time, skills, expertise and resources.

TEN Gives is helping build and amplify UnLtd’s charity partner brands, providing valuable exposure for the complex issues and challenges faced by disadvantaged young people in Australia.

Network Ten chief executive officer, Paul Anderson, said the partnership with UnLtd provided an opportunity to co-ordinate and expand the network’s workplace giving programs and to align with some of the key charities being supported by the foundatipasswon.

“The depth and breadth of issues facing the younger people in our community is one that has really resonated with Network Ten employees,” he said.

“Extensive effort is put into this partnership with UnLtd across all states, from staff fundraisers to mentoring, professional services and volunteering.”

Launched in October 2014, TEN Gives works with 11 charities in five cities: Batyr, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Quality, KYDS, Melbourne City Mission, Musicians Making A Difference, Radio Lollipop, The Pyjama Foundation, Uniting Care Wesley Port Adelaide, Youth Off The Streets and Youth Opportunities SA.

UnLtd general manager Carol Morris thanked Network Ten staff for how generous they have been in giving their time, talent and money.

“TEN Gives is most certainly our showcase partnership. They have embraced our call to join the movement and created a very powerful, measureable and highly effective social impact program. A key ingredient to this exceptional result is the incredible effort of the TEN Gives committee. They contribute every single day to drive the program to this level of success,” said Morris.

Morris also reminded the industry of the importance of regular pre-tax payroll giving. “It’s easy, it is tax deductible and it makes a HUGE difference to the charities and young people we help,” she said.

Network Ten got behind the UnLtd movement to undo youth disadvantage in late 2014, launching TEN Gives initially in Sydney then rolling it out in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.