UM Australia Partners With Clean Up Australia For Global IMPACT Day

The Australian team of global media agency UM, participated in its fifth IMPACT Day on July 21, downing tools and closing all UM offices for the day to take time out to care for the communities we live and work in.
Originally launched in 2016, UM’s global corporate social responsibility initiative IMPACT Day is the agency’s annual day of service representing two of its core values: Care and Community. On July 21, over the span of 36 hours, across 50 Countries, 100+ markets and 120+ offices, more than 3,000 UM volunteers gathered within their respective communities to make an impact towards a #BetterWorld.
UM’s Sydney team
After two years of celebrating IMPACT Day virtually, due to COVID, the official theme for this year was Homecoming, celebrating the opportunity for UM’s global community to finally come together in person and to make a positive difference.
“After two years of giving back virtually, it brought me great joy that this year’s Impact Day allowed us to come together in person — a true homecoming for our people and communities around the globe,” said Eileen Kiernan, global CEO, UM.
“Our 3,000+ employees partnered with community-based organizations to do everything from providing aid for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine to cleaning up our natural resources to delivering COVID relief to marginalized communities, and so much more. Impact Day is a beloved and important tradition at UM, and it was wonderful to be able to take to the streets once again as a community to make a difference.”
Anathea Ruys CEO of UM Australia said the collective impact is always so powerful on this special day in UM’s calendar as the global teams work together and participate in the company’s loved annual tradition of contributing to a #BetterWorld through IMPACT Day.
Ruys said: “For this year’s IMPACT Day we chose to unify our efforts and partner with one of Australia’s most well-known and meaningful charities, Clean Up Australia, following the simple logic that when we work as one, we have the biggest impact.
“The environment, climate change and sustainability are core issues close to the heart of all UM-ers and its clients, so partnering with Clean Up Australia matched our sustainability values perfectly. We were delighted to donate our time to clean up popular parks, beaches and other beautiful public spaces around Australia to help make an Impact,” Ruys explained.
Across Australia more than 250 UM-ers from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra gathered at well-known landmark destinations including St Kilda foreshore (Melbourne), Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour surrounds (Sydney), Haig and Turner Parks (Canberra) and West End Foreshore (Brisbane), removing several tonnes of rubbish and debris from iconic locations and helping to keep Australia’s beautiful and unique landscape clean.
Pip Kiernan, chair of Clean Up Australia said the state of the environment means people are expecting their employers – and brands – to show leadership and be true stewards for the future. “It’s wonderful to see UM stepping up in such a powerful and meaningful way. When we take time to connect with the environment and clean it up, we become more conscious of our environmental footprint,” she said.
“We’re seeing a real drive amongst the Australian population to take action, we know people want to reduce their environmental impact. The collective efforts of “the UM-ers” have made a real difference.”
UM’s regional offices across APAC, EMEA, LATAM and North America partnered with local charities, NGOs, partners and more. Activities across the Asia Pacific region included:
- Working with the non-profit Green Foodbank in China to collect surplus food resources and provide them to individuals, families, and communities in need, working to simultaneously reduce food waste and combat the food shortages in Shanghai.
- Running a disability awareness program and signing tutorial with Wheel For Oneness in Hong Kong to promote social inclusion and support one another.
- Working with RPlanet in India to collect e-waste (obsolete, outdated or non-functioning electronics that can lead to the release of toxic chemicals) for proper disposal.
- Promoting wellness at work in Indonesia by decluttering the workspace and partnering with waste management organization Duitin to recycle and upscale unused items raising funds for a local mental health organization KitaBisa.
- Donating to Charity By The Book and Free The Children in Japan. In addition to assisting Make-A-Wish Japan, and coaching elementary school children in sports.
- Working in collaboration with Goodwill Store in Korea, donated reusable and unused items are reborn as items for sale by disabled people promoting their employment and profit.
- Collaborating with the Autism Café Project in Malaysia, on a project which aims to help youth with autism secure future independence.
- Partnering with Masungi Georeserve in the Philippines, to address ongoing deforestation and forest degradation by running a donation drive to plant and nurture 50 trees.
- Volunteering with the Waterways Watch Society in Singapore to clean waterways, coastlines and reservoirs, helping to protect and conserve local wildlife.
- Working with The Mirror Foundation in Thailand to collect recyclable plastics and reduce plastic waste surplus in offices and households.
Ruys concluded: “The day was fun-filled and community-focussed, bringing together our teams to pick up and remove rubbish in support and protection of our environment. I am exceptionally proud of my team as they worked together, inspiring each other to help build a #BetterWorld for us all to share and love.”
Latest News

Why Are We Still Banging Our Heads Against The Glass Ceiling?
In this guest post, Azadeh Williams, the founder and managing director of AZK Media. Candidly shares with B&T how she’s gone up against the glass ceiling and what she has learned. Williams (main photo) has consistently been recognised as B&T’s Women in Media and Women Leading Technology. She’s a force within the industry, with a […]

Samba TV Report: Half Of Aussie Households Still Watch Linear TV
Report finds 50% of Aussies still watch linear TV. Meaning half are missing out on Sunrise's Cash Cow.

Repco Roars Into 100th Birthday With New Campaign Via Thinkerbell
Thinkerbell could've gone with the Queen penning a letter for Repco's 100th, but as you'll see here, it didn't.

AAMI Launches “Bargain Regret” Campaign Via Ogilvy Melbourne
If you've ever holidayed in Kuta or dined at a local leagues club, you'll soon empathise with this 'bargain regret' ad.

Apple Forced To Remove All ‘Made In Taiwan’ Stickers Amid Latest China Crisis
Apple forced to appease the Chinese over Taiwan. Meanwhile, Australia just bans Huawei outright.

Richard Wilkins Breaks Down In Karl Stefanovic’s Arms Paying Tribute To Olivia Newton-John
Richard's tears were tears for a nation at Olivia's passing. But let's just hope 'Physical' doesn't re-enter the charts.

InsideOut PR Wins Prestige InHome Care Account
Sydney PR agency InsideOut PR has been appointed for Prestige InHome Care, an in-home aged care service with a focus on media relations. InsideOut PR worked with Prestige Inhome Care back in 2013 and again in 2017 launching their public relations and advertising program; and supporting their growing profile in the market. Founder and CEO […]

Monday TV Wrap: The Block Nails Entertainment Again, But Seven Builds To Win
Commonwealth Games done & dusted for another four years. So now we can all go back to being disinterested in running.

Foxtel Records 4.4 Million Paid Subscribers As Q4 Numbers Released
Patrick Delaney enjoying a fruit basket from the Murdochs this morning as Foxtel posts impressive gains.

CHEP Promotes Amy Weston To ECD
Amy Weston to lie awake at 3am during all of CHEP's pitches after being named agency ECD.

Foxtel, Ad Spends & REA Send News Corp’s Profit & Revenues To Record Highs
Poor Rupert's divorce just went up an extra billion or two more after News announces record profits overnight.

“We’ve Taken A Few Bets!” 10 Supremo Beverley McGarvey On Content, Wins & Demos
10 chief Beverley McGarvey mercifully tells B&T she has no plans to defrost Rove, Kyle or the Honey Badger anytime soon.

Stan And Sony Pictures Team Up For Major TV Partnership
Stan and Sony Pictures unveil new content deal that thankfully won't see the return of any Fast & Furious movies.

TBWA\Sydney Lands Golden Circle Account Via Kraft Heinz
B&T has refrained from making jokes about the effects of pineapple juice here. Admittedly, we did do it in the office.

“An Amazing Challenge!” The Block’s EP Talks Going Bush & Introducing Dinner Parties
B&T chats with The Block EP Julian Cress. Sadly, Scott Cam's outrageous rider failed to get a mention.

Edge Wins Charles Darwin University’s Creative
In a pitch that could possibly be described as survival of the fittest, Edge has nabbed Charles Darwin Uni's creative.

We Are Social Names Susie Hogarth As Global Head Of Cultural Insights
We Are Social is bolstering its cultural insights offering with the promotion of Susie Hogarth (lead image) to the role of global head of cultural insights. Hogarth, the former senior research and cultural insights director for We Are Social UK, takes over the global role from Lore Oxford who has left the company. Hogarth will […]

WeAre8 Unveils Commercial Partners & Launch Of App
New kid on the block, WeAre8, wastes no time revealing impressive client list. Includes a little bit of showboating too.

G Squared Names New Head Of Strategy & Head Of SEO & Content
G Squared ramps up its strategy, SEO & content offerings. And its morning smoothies with the addition of new Bamix.

The Reload Group Names Marnie Whitten As Global Director Of Innovation
Admittedly, a few interlopers have snuck into this press photo, but rest assured that's Marnie Whitten front & centre.

SCA Partners With Macca’s To Offer AFL & NRL Friday Night Game Scores Inside Audio Ad
This announcement includes McDonald's and the footy results. So it's bound to upset some readers.

State of Australian Media Report Reveals 10 Major Industry Trends
Fancy a colleague? Need an icebreaker to get the conversation started? Steal freely from this media trends report.

CX Lavender Nabs Orchard’s Adam Washington As CEO
Orchard's Adam Washington jumps ship to CX Lavender in arguably one of the industry's more horticultural moves.

Blockheads Rejoice! The Official Block Podcast Is Here
In the wake of The Block returning on Sunday night, 9Podcasts has announced the launch of The Official Block Podcast, hosted by Shelley Craft. The new production will run alongside the 18th season of The Block, in which five teams must each build a 500-square metre homestead, with a room reveal every Sunday night. The […]

PHD Melbourne Announces Senior Promotions
PHD Melbourne has expanded its leadership team. With some team members expanding after the boardroom muffins.

Behaviour Change – Expecting The Unexpected
Here's pro tips for brands looking for behavioural change. Could possibly also work on lazy, cleaning-phobic partners.

TBWA\Melbourne, Thinkerbell & More Announced As Finalists For The Rigg Design Prize 2022
The first major exhibition of advertising and communication design in the NGV’s history, The Rigg Design Prize 2022 highlights the creativity underpinning the work of eight leading Australian-based agencies. For the exhibition, each agency will develop a suite of campaign assets – including billboards, street posters and moving image – to celebrate how creativity can […]

Queen Charles Launches In Sydney, Aiming To Shake Up The Consultancy Market
After 11 months of quietly building up their new business Queen Charles, Alex Carr (pictured, left) and Jon Kelly (pictured, right) have finally found enough time to launch their brand and experience consultancy to the wider market. Based in Sydney, Queen Charles aims to help businesses of all shapes and sizes consistently stand out and […]

The Stock Merchant Provisions And The Offices Launch Colourful New Canned Fish Packaging
Canned fish is a top source of omega-3 fats & B2, B3, B6 and B12, all while giving you the halitosis of a stray cat.

“Means F@cking Nothing!” Tony Armstrong Talks Winning A Logie
Surely if there's anything sacrosanct in the Australian TV industry it's Bert's wigs, Kerri-Anne's Botox & the Logie?

9News Perth Pinches Gareth Parker As News Director
Gareth Parker promising more Eagles, Freo and iron ore stories, as he moves to new role at 9News Perth.

Teal MP Sophie Scamps Takes Aim At Junk Food Advertising
Junk food advertising to kids back under the spotlight. Yet again, bad parenting choices escaping said spotlight.

“Grow Some Balls!” Snickers Facing Global Boycott Following Snivelling Chinese Apology Over Taiwan
Of all the potential triggers for WWIII, few would've suspected it would be the nutty, caramelly goodness of a Snickers.

Total TV Advertising Market Up 11%, As BVOD Continues To Surge
TV ad spends prove to be in rude health. Which should translate to even ruder long lunches for TV bosses.

Michael Bass Named New Chief Trading Officer For Dentsu APAC
Dentsu International has announced the appointment of Michael Bass (pictured) as chief trading officer, media, Dentsu Asia Pacific. With over 20 years’ experience, Bass’ career has included a range of senior investment and trading roles across the media sector. Bass spent seven years at IPG Mediabrands as trading director of Initiative and subsequently moved on […]

Sunday TV Wrap: The Block Hammers Out The Competition In Big Debut
The Block debuts to strong numbers, as Scott Cam set to publish his collected works of Logies acceptance speeches.