BWM Group supports Kmart with launch of new Australian not-for-profit Half the Sky foundation

BWM Group joined with Kmart to launch a new Australian not-for-profit, Half the Sky Foundation in Melbourne and Sydney launch events over the past week.

Half the Sky Foundation started by Jenny Bowen, the only Westerner working with the Chinese Government to reform China’s orphanage system, which has transformed the lives of more than 100,000 Chinese. The Foundation has trained more than 12,000 caregivers, employs 1,348 people in China and has impacted 468 communities across 26 provinces and municipalities.

BWM has become the honorary patron of the Half the Sky Foundation by donating $10,000 to launch the Australian division. The eight-member Australian Board includes the managing director of Kmart, Guy Russo and his wife and executive director of Half the Sky Australia, Deanne Bevan.

Says Jamie Mackay, partner for the BWM Group: “BWM has worked closely with Guy Russo and his team at Kmart over the past four years. We have witnessed his passion for the Half the Sky Foundation and the positive impact it’s having on the lives of Chinese children.

“Having the opportunity to make a difference on the lives of so many is something we are very excited to be part of.”

Half the Sky Foundation held two launches, one in Melbourne on 28 June and one in Sydney on 29 June, where founder Bowen did a reading from her new book ‘Wish You Happy Forever: What China’s Orphans taught me about moving mountains.

Says Mackay: “Jenny’s passion for the Chinese orphans is contagious. Our BWM team enjoyed the opportunity to hear her story at the Melbourne launch. We have much to be grateful for in Australia and it’s a privilege to give something back.

“We look forward to continuing our relationships with the Half the Sky Foundation and Kmart.”

Half the Sky Foundation operates in the USA, China, Hong Kong, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands and Australia.

(Pictured L-R: N/A, Belinda Murray, BWM, Amy Hollier, BWM, Guy Russo, Managing Director of Kmart, Mikael Perhirin, BWM, Nicole Gillard, BWM, Susannah Stoney, BWM and Deanne Bevan, Executive Director at Half The Sky)