UNICEF appeal to corporate sector

UNICEF Ireland yesterday launched a fundraising campaign to help children worldwide by working in partnership with the corporate sector.

At the launch of Corporate Champions for Children, both UNICEF and the involved companies stressed the importance of corporate social responsibility.

Dr Chris Horn of IONA Technologies believed companies are no longer judged by financial success alone, but also by their policies and their responsibilities.

"Corporate responsibility is vital in building an empowered environment within which business can be successful and also benefit the wider society," he said.

Aer Lingus Chief Executive Willie Walsh also gave his support to UNICEF.

"I believe in the idea of the corporation as a citizen. I believe that a business, just like an individual, has a role to play in the society in which it makes its living," he said.

UNICEF Ireland executive director Maura Quinn said working with corporations created a wider awareness of the work that UNICEF does with children, both in Ireland and around the world.

To date, IONA Technologies, Aer Lingus, Davy's Stockbrokers, the Westin Hotel Group and SNAP Printing have joined the programme.

Meanwhile, Salesforce.com has launched its charitable foundation in Ireland.

The company has donated software to Children Direct, an umbrella group representing five children's charities.

The project, called salesforce.com foundation, will work with non-profit organisations involved in community projects.

"This is not about philanthropy," said project director Isabel Kelly.

"It makes good business sense, generates staff loyalty and contributes to the communities within which business operates.

"We believe that corporate social responsibility should be an everyday part of a company's structure and a core business value."