30 October 2009
Aussie first: Clarius staff sacrificing a day of pay in support of CanTeen
In an Australian first, many of Clarius Groups employees are working for free today with their
earnings being donated to CanTeen in support of National Bandanna Day (which is on Friday, 30
October 2009).
Beverley Brock, CanTeens National Partnerships Manager, said this was the first time an Australian
corporate partner had taken up the What a Difference a Day Makes model of sacrificing a day of pay.
We are blown away by the generosity of Clarius staff - these day-of-pay donations will go a long
way in supporting young people living with cancer, were overjoyed that so many of Clarius
employees have made this wonderful commitment to get behind What a Difference a Day Makes,
said Ms Brock.
More than 50 Clarius Group employees are expected to raise approximately $20,000 by donating
one days pay, with some staff opting to sacrifice a day of annual leave in a show of support for the
cause.
This equates to about one in six employees across Clarius Groups brands - Clarius, Lloyd Morgan,
Alliance, Candle ICT, TOU, Southtech and JAV from offices in Sydney, Chatswood, Melbourne and
Brisbane.
The total raised includes a $2,500 donation by the Clarius Group through its Workplace Giving
Scheme, which is a regular monthly donation made by the company that supports a variety of
charities by matching their employees donations.
Supporting CanTeen is something that many Clarius Group employees have a close and personal
connection with, including Group Executive Manager Kym Quick, who herself was affected by cancer
at a young age.
When I was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 21 it was very tough on my family. I didnt have a
network of support like what CanTeen provides, but Im grateful that such an organisation now
exists for other young people that are going through what I went through. It is wonderful to see so
many of our Clarius staff members getting behind the cause, said Ms Quick.
We chose CanTeen as our long-term charity partner because we are impressed with both the
organisation and the board members, some of which are CanTeen Members themselves, young
inspirational people whose lives have been affected by cancer in some way.
As recruiters we see how important workplace giving programs are in attracting the best and
brightest candidates, particularly from the younger generations.
We encourage other businesses to take up the What a Difference a Day Makes model to benefit
those in need.
National Bandanna Day is CanTeens largest fundraiser and awareness day, with money raised going
towards the camps, services and programs that support, develop and empower young people living
with cancer.
Media Contacts:
Alicia Aldini/Duncan Bone
Lighthouse Communications
Ph: (02) 9692 8811
E: aaldini@lighthousecomms.com.au