It is the Mercury’s pleasure today to publish two stories about this concept in practise and what an extraordinary difference it can make.

The first is about the amazing efforts of the dedicated volunteers from the Maitland Cancer Appeal Committee who will tomorrow night hand over $200,000 they have raised for cancer research.

The committee’s latest donation brings their tally to more than ­$1 ­million for cancer research since it started in 1995.

This money has been raised from the committee’s shop and the Rutherford linen service for palliative care.

The second story is about a ­wonderful fund-raising concept from Highway Ford and Highway Hyundai Maitland. 

In 2007, the business started donating $100 to charity from every car sold. 

The money is dispersed to 20 organisations in the Rutherford area and in the seven years it has been running the company has given away more than $360,000.

Both are examples of how a huge difference can be made by sticking to a task and giving of yourself for others.

Maitland is blessed by many community-based organisations which raise funds for charitable and worthy causes.

The city’s business community is also incredibly generous in sponsorship and donations for charities and community and sports groups.

Imagine if each Maitland resident followed the example of Highway Ford and gave $1 a week for local charities.

Based on a population of 73,000 people, in a year  we would have $3.8 million to help our fellow citizens in time of need or to provide needed services.

READ THE STORIES: 

Maitland volunteers raise $200,000 for cancer research

Maitland business gives away $360,000