Sometimes, a small act of kindness sets something powerful in motion. Just after the Covid pandemic, the Blackwoods WA sales team felt a desire to give back. They reached out to Parkerville Children and Youth Care, and asked a simple, human question: “How can we help?”
What followed wasn’t a PR exercise, but a genuine connection that’s grown into years of hands-on support, generosity and shared purpose.
When children and young people face the impacts of abuse and trauma, Parkerville stands beside them. The Perth-based non-profit organisation offers specialist support services to help them rebuild their lives. It’s vital work - work that depends on supporters like Blackwoods.
The relationship between Blackwoods and Parkerville began organically, almost casually. The sales team talked to a Parkerville board member, who happened to be a former Blackwoods employee, and asked how they could help.
Blackwoods team members started volunteering for clean-up days, donating clothing and tools, and taking part in fundraising activities - even abseiling down the Rio Tinto building in Perth. Another memorable initiative was a Christmas fundraiser, where every child in Parkerville’s care received a gift chosen personally by a Blackwoods team member, just for them.
In 2025, Blackwoods formalised the relationship with a commitment of $20,000 a year for three years. Parkerville can use the money where it will have the greatest impact, and the volunteer support, donations and fundraising will continue.
Tim Klass, Blackwoods WA Area Sales Manager, says the benefits of the relationship go far beyond the financial. He says some of the children pitched in on the volunteer clean-up days, with the Blackwoods team members becoming unexpected role models.
“They have never seen people that just had a good time and spoke well to each other, communicated well, had good leadership and looked after each other,” he says. “These kids will be out in the workforce and hopefully they look back and think the impact that Blackwoods had was more than financial, it was showing them what a really good culture and good people can do.”
Tim says the partnership has been equally rewarding for the Blackwoods team.
“I can’t speak highly enough of this organisation and what they do. What we give to Parkerville is tiny compared to the benefit that we get as a team. From a team building perspective we’ve gained so much, and it’s lovely to show the wider business and the wider community that Blackwoods is more than just industrial and safety supply, it’s about caring for people.”
The connection has also grown outward, with Blackwoods promoting Parkerville’s work to its suppliers and customers.
“Our biggest difference as a business is our people, and this is a really good example of who Blackwoods people are. We do these things and it’s genuine, and it’s something we’re really passionate about. We want our customers and suppliers to be part of it. It’s super important to us,” he says.
Mariam Mukaty, Director of Fundraising and Philanthropy at Parkerville, says their team hasn’t yet finalised where the donated funds will be used, but a major project on the horizon is a specialist CARE school supporting young people who have experienced trauma.
“Blackwoods has very generously left it to us to use where we need it most. But it will go towards making sure that the children who have been through these experiences and have come into our care have what they need when they need it, in the manner they need it.”
She says that the connections Blackwoods offers to other suppliers who are also willing to support Parkerville holds tremendous value.
“The money is great, and it helps us do the things we need to do. But the power of relationships and connection is priceless.”