Leaders across advertising, media and marketing are rallying those working in the industry to get behind a campaign to give back to volunteer fire fighters in New South Wales and Victoria by donating one day’s pay to its ‘Wage For A Wage’ appeal.
The fundraising campaign encourages the industry to donate one day’s wage to volunteers who have selflessly given up their own pay while bravely fighting fires during the ongoing bushfire crisis.
Industry leaders already on board and encouraging others to support Wage For A Wage are: Josh Grace, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung Australia, Sue Squillace, Chief Executive Officer ANZ at Carat, Pete Bosilkovski, Chief Executive Officer Clemenger BBDO Sydney, Suzy Nicoletti, Managing Director, Twitter Australia, Chris Howatson, Chief Executive Officer at CHE Proximity and Danielle Hamilton, Head of Marketing at ING Australia.
A calculator on the campaign website (www.wageforawage.com.au) works out the value of one day’s pay when you enter an annual salary, and allows you to donate it to the Rural Fire Services Association (RFSA) and the Volunteer Fire Brigades of Victoria (VFBV).
A live tally will show progress towards the fundraising target of $1 million and all funds raised will be distributed to the RFSA and VFBV’s volunteer fire fighters welfare funds.
Pete Bosilkovski, CEO Clemenger BBDO Sydney, is among the first to support the initiative.
“I am one hundred percent behind this initiative. Our volunteer firefighters have given up so much for others during this crisis, and many people are feeling helpless and not knowing how to support these amazing people. The bushfires have been devastating and continue their destruction, this is a way for the industry to donate a day’s work for good – to show our support, say thank you and help repay these brave men and women in some small way,” said Bosilkovski.
Suzy Nicoletti, MD, Twitter Australia, said: “As someone who is married to a firefighter, I have seen first hand the tireless bravery that this community embodies every day, so this cause could not be closer to my heart.
On the platform we’ve seen the Twitter community, both in Australia and far beyond, rally together like never before. From an elderly woman being rescued from her roof when stranded thanks to a single Tweet using #NSWFires, to inspiring generosity springing up through movements such as #AuthorsForFireys — it has been humbling to see the power of social to unite people in times of need.
Just imagine seeing a loved one head out into the bush for weeks at a time to risk their lives. What these volunteers are doing, often with little to no pay, is nothing short of heroic. Over the past month I’ve received calls from people across the world asking how they can help. The #WageForAWage campaign is a fantastic way for us to honour their courage and dedication.”
Brian McDonough, RFSA President said the Association provides practical support to volunteer firefighters on the ground as well as support for members who have been directly impacted by these fires.
“The RFSA maintains a Welfare Fund with DGR status, to specifically aid our members who have lost homes, farm equipment, fencing and livestock. In recent weeks we have provided assistance to these volunteer firefighters through our work with the NSW RFS Chaplains who are trained and able to help these people in their recovery process.”
To calculate your pay for one day and donate it to support volunteer fire fighters, go to www.wageforawage.com.au
