"British mobile phone giant Vodafone donated £1 million today to the relief effort to help the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster.

The company said the money had been made available from its charitable trust, the Vodafone Group Foundation.

It will be divided between a number of different groups and aid agencies, with the largest share – £650,000 – going to the Disasters Emergency Committee, the group co-ordinating Britain’s relief effort.

Of the remainder, £250,000 will go to the International Federation of Red Cross to help it distribute emergency shelter and food.

The other £100,000 will be divided between Telecoms Sans Frontiers, which specialises in emergency telecommunications, and MapAction, which provides maps of disaster areas.

Vodafone chief executive Arun Sarin said: “As a global business, we believe it is important for Vodafone to play its part in this relief effort, which is on an unprecedented scale.

“The impact of this tragedy has touched people all over the world and we feel it is appropriate for businesses to work with governments, non-governmental organisations and individuals to help those most directly affected.”

In addition to its £1 million donation, Vodafone is launching a scheme for its UK employees that matches every donation with an equal amount from its charitable trust. "

Source: ScotsMan News



A very nice and generous gesture from Vodafone here - can't see any of the other moby networks following. Though, one can't help by being cynical and thinking "CSR Press Stunt"

The same could be said of the uk gov. giving money in return for improved international relations.....after they slaughtered so many innocent Iraqi's.

Absolutely...I couldn't agree more.

In fact, re-reading the list of companies that have given to the Aid Relief...I feel quite proud of Vodafone for doing so.

Isnt it funny they dont list all the members of the public who have helped raise over 25 million?!

Publicity is publicity.

I'm glad the people out there are getting funds, but I dont think more of those companies/organisations who give money, especially when they make a press release about it.

To be honest though I think the people over there don't really care where the money comes from - its all useful to them, from Vodafone giving a million to the little boy down the road giving his 50p pocket money.

True, I understand what you are saying - by giving £1m, Vodafone will probably earn this back in sales from people like me thinking "Oh what a good company".

We live in a capitalist society - companies don't give money for the benefit of the working class; they do it for the benefit of themselves.

I work for a well known supermaket chain and at work there is a notice on the board saying that money and items of food and supplies have been donated. Its good that it hasnt been all over the news as they obviosuly didnt do it for the publicity but to actually help the people

Paul