Continuing a longtime tradition, VMLY&R closed more than 55 offices across the globe yesterday, in order to give more than 12,000 employees the opportunity to support their local communities through volunteer projects.
VMLY&R’s Foundation Day theme was “Unite For Good”. It highlighted the collective impact of all employees rolling up their sleeves to give back in meaningful ways over the same 24-hour period – even if physically separated.
Considering the on-going pandemic, employees had the option to volunteer individually, with their families, or opt-in to local small-group volunteer projects.
Thomas Tearle, CEO of VMLY&R Australia and New Zealand, said: “VMLY&R Worldwide Foundation Day is a signature day for the agency across the globe. We believe it’s essential that we invite our people to give back, and that no matter what they choose to do, or how they decide to spend the day, each of their contributions will add up to make the world a better place.”
Below is a breakdown of the activity across Australia and New Zealand offices:
Brisbane partnered with St Vincent de Paul Society
VMLY&R’s Brisbane office partnered with St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, the organisation behind the iconic Vinnies recycled retail brand that assists millions of Australians in need.
The Brisbane team worked alongside Vinnies team members and volunteers. Activity included working on the shop floor in retail, assisting the distribution centre team with sorting donations and delivering them to store, and supporting with Vinnies helpline team and Youth support centres.
Drew Eide, operations general manager at St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, commented: “We’re delighted that VMLY&R Brisbane supported Vinnies this Foundation Day. It’s an incredible initiative to take every employee out of their business for a day to give back to the community – here and across the world.”
Sydney and Melbourne united for random acts of kindness
In Sydney and Melbourne, VMLY&R asked their people to “Unite for Random Acts of Kindness” in their neighbourhoods. Whether cleaning up rubbish in the local park or beach, baking a cake for a sick friend, virtually volunteering, picking up groceries for an elderly neighbour, donating blood, or providing a marketing consultation call with a non-profit start-up.
The VMLY&R Sydney & Melbourne teams also partnered with The Haymarket Foundation – which works with people experiencing homelessness and other disadvantages. The partnership involved creating initiatives that raised the profile – and potential sources of income – for this grassroots not-for-profit.
Auckland and Wellington collected shoes for Lazy Sneakers
VMLY&R’s Auckland and Wellington offices teamed up with Lazy Sneakers, a charity that collects reusable sneakers and distributes them to children, student atheletes, families and social services all over New Zealand for free. The team headed out into local areas and collect sneakers, give them a clean and take photos for the listing of the shoes before handing them over to Lazy Sneakers for distribution.
