CLEANING ENTREPRENEUR MIKE DOWLING NOMINATED FOR QUEENSLAND PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR

What would you invest in if you established a highly successful and profitable business?

While luxurious holidays and expensive material possessions may be the answer for many of us, Gold Coast cleaning entrepreneur Mike Dowling’s choice is to invest in the wellbeing of others.

The James’ Home Services master franchise Owner and CEO has donated more than $500,000 to charities and non-profit organisations over the past few years and doesn’t plan on stopping.

In celebration of Philanthropy Week, held from 9 to 16 June, Mike has been nominated for the Queensland Community Foundation’s Philanthropist of the Year award for Small to Medium Enterprise – an award honouring those who have made outstanding contributions to charities and community organisations.

It is Mr Dowling’s belief that philanthropy is vital and if in a position to help others, people should do whatever they can.

“Having a successful business has allowed me to do what I love and at the same time, help others in ways that not everyone can,” said Mr Dowling.

“I have made it my priority to ensure that business is supporting charities, especially those that help children, and I certainly encourage others to do the same.”

Last year Australia was third on the World Giving Index and it is people like Mike who are making the difference.

According to Philanthropy Australia, about 14.9 million Australian adults (80.8% of the population) gave $12.5 billion to charities and not-for- profits organisations in 2015-16. The average donation was $764.08and the median donation was $200. Compared with 10 years ago, a smaller proportion of Australians are giving, but they are giving larger amounts.

Mike wants more and more businesses to follow his lead.

“No matter who you are or how successful your business is, there will always be ways you can help. It doesn’t have to just be through large donations either – you can make a positive difference by giving away some of your time or by simply using your voice to speak out,” he said.

Most recently, Mike and James’ Home Services supported Gambaro’s 14th Annual Mud Crab Cup in Brisbane, donating about $38,000 to support The Courier Mail Children’s Fund. He also donated $10,000 to a child in Adelaide who is suffering from Wilms Tumour, a cancer of the kidney that commonly occurs in children.

Mike has donated almost $150,000 to One Sky, the international organisation supporting orphaned children and last year he donated $15,000 to a child who needed a new wheelchair.

“At the end of the day, generating success in my business is not the end goal. The real achievement comes from making a real difference to the wellbeing of others – whether it is an individual or an entire community.

The Queensland Philanthropist of the Year luncheon will be held on Friday 16 June at Hilton Brisbane.

MEDIA NOTE: To interview Mr Dowling please contact Wings Public Relations Director Deanna Nott on 0422 504 540.