Trader Focus

Glenda Obbes - Executive Trader from New Zealand

Glenda Obbes became a Phoenix Trader at the beginning of 2007 when the business was launched in New Zealand but she first came across the products at a Coffee & Cards while she was living in the UK. By September 2008, Glenda had already raised NZ$1,950 for charity and was confident to increase this figure before the end of the year.

Most of the fundraising Glenda does is for local schools, kindergartens, private sporting groups, parenting centres and other community groups. She tailors the method of fundraising she uses to suit the individual group and their requirements and donates a percentage of her profits, depending on the type of activity she’s running. When sending out catalogues with parent newsletters, Glenda gives a standard 10% of sales to the organisation involved. On other occasions, she links the percentage she donates to the volume of sales; 10% for sales up to NZ$1,000, 15% for sales over NZ$1,000 and 20% for sales over NZ$2,000.

Glenda says she feels like she learns something new each time she organises an event. “I am learning how to tailor things according to the nature of the group; and learning about the practical side of fundraising.”

“I have enjoyed the tremendous sense of achievement involved in contributing to a good cause, whether it be a cancer charity that needs money, or a school looking to raise money to improve their playgrounds. I also thoroughly benefit from meeting new people and making new friends.”