Altruism equals financial and insurance services

Altruistic, or 'for purpose' organisations, have been found to contribute as much to GDP as financial and insurance services. Research has found these enterprises, which are motivated by social, environmental, or community ideals rather primarily for profit, contribute an estimated $25.8 billion to the economy when volunteer labour is included. The report for JBWere's philanthropic services also found the sector employs one in 13 workers. The research for the investment firm was carried out by Waikato University's Professor Frank Scrimgeour with contributions by JBWere's William McInerney. He speaks to Kathryn.