Swags for Homeless aims to provide one swag to every homeless man, woman and child in Australia. Specially designed by the organization, the Backpack Swags give full body and full weather protection. The on-going project is funded by donation and run entirely by volunteers. Swags for Homeless prides itself on professional attitude. It took them just five weeks to achieve deductible gift recipient status.

They wanted an expert review of documents used in fund-raising and for the partnering process (working with charities who request their free Swags for homeless people sleeping on the street).

Goodcompany volunteer, lawyer Roger Wong stepped in to help, amending and redrafting existing documents which complemented Swags for the Homeless vision and existing volunteer efforts. Roger used his legal skills to review the Confidentiality Agreement, the Patron MOU and letters requiring swags from Swags for Homeless. He reviewed all the documentations, giving suggestions for change and some great insight.

“Objectively 90% of our documents were tight. However, thanks to our volunteer - via suggestion and discussion - it increased our documents purpose to the higher percentage” says Tony Clark from Swags for Homeless. Tony appreciated the resulting peace of mind and the bonus of some new document ideas.

When managing skilled volunteers, Tony provides the following advice to community groups:

• Be prudent when checking qualifications
• Do not expect next day turn around
• Give clear instructions and ensure nobody has to read minds
• REMEMBER - nobody has to do anything to help you!
• DO NOT BE complacent!
• Thank the volunteer, stay in contact and be friends