CSR Corner
Why Corporate Transparency?
As
a development and humanitarian agency, Oxfam’s work on poverty is widely acknowledged. However, when we urge companies to be socially responsible, or to be more transparent about their business practices, many ask how these issues are relevant to the livelihoods of poor people. Oxfam Hong Kong believes companies should implement corporate social responsibility (CSR). Our understanding of the notion of CSR goes beyond philanthropy or staff volunteering. CSR is fundamentally seen in business practices, including the presence of ethical supply chains, the alignment of labour practices with international standards, the mitigation of company operations’ impacts on the environment, etc. We strongly believe that if companies are responsible in their business practices, a greater number of people would benefit, including their workers. Adopting higher labour standards also addresses the problem of employment poverty. Transparency is crucial to CSR. Oxfam believes that companies should let people know the impact of their operations on society and environment. Two years ago, we undertook the first research on disclosure of Hong Kong garment companies’ labour practices. The results were rather disappointing, as most companies scored zero out of 100 points in the rating exercise.
Recently, we revisited this issue, publishing the second transparency report in March 2009. Credit should be given to those few companies that scored high, as well as companies that were willing to cooperate with Oxfam and our consultant, CSR Asia, during the research. In general, however, the majority are still far from satisfactory in terms of transparency in their labour practices. Of 26 surveyed companies, 19 received zero points, another five scored from 10 to 33 points, and almost all of them are still below international standards. Esquel is the only Hong Kong-based firm to score high, with a mark of 70, which is comparable to the best scorers in an earlier survey of companies in Canada. Companies that act responsibly are happy to let their customers and investors know about their actions. They are the ones most willing to undertake social and environmental reporting because they enjoy the benefits of having greater transparency and a good corporate image, both of which attract more business opportunities. Consumers can exercise their power by choosing to buy only ethically produced goods from companies. Investors could likewise make their investment decisions to support only those companies committed to social and environmental responsibility. If companies behave in a transparent manner, labour rights would be better ensured. When companies adhere to international labour
EXPRESS
Issue 2, Summer 2009
If undelivered, please return to 17/F, China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Cover Story
Not just about statistics - an interview with The Nielsen Company
standards, they help improve the livelihoods of their workers, thus contributing to the well-being of poor and disadvantaged people. Oxfam believes that transparency, challenging as it is, is an opportunity for companies, rather than a threat. We believe that corporate transparency is an important first step for a corporation to achieve meaningful CSR. And in acting responsibly, companies can enjoy financial returns, while society as a whole can prosper.
Words from Oxfam
After 5.12
For details on Oxfam’s Transparency Report II: Have Hong Kong Garment Companies Improved their Reporting on Labour Standards? please visit http://www.oxfam.org.hk/public/contents/54193
On
Corporate Acknowledgement
Oxfam Corporate Donor Programme Outstanding Award 2008-2009
In
T
order to show our high appreciation to the continuous sponsorship and support from our members to Oxfam Corporate Donor Programme for the last 12 months, outstanding awards were presented to the following awardees:
(in alphabetical order) Oxfam Corporate Donor Outstanding Award (HKD20,000 or above) Tai Shing Group (Holdings) Co Ltd Prince Jewellery & Watch Co Wing Hang Bank Hong Kong Health Check and Laboratory Holdings Company Ltd Winnie Leung & Co Agile Property Holdings Ltd Marriott Vacation Club Asia Pacific HOCC Charity Fund Ltd Hang Seng Bank Cathay Pacific Catering Services (HK) Limited
Oxfam Corporate Donor Outstanding Awardees with Oxfam Ambassador, Ms. Myolie WU Hang-Yee, Hong Kong Director of Oxfam Hong Kong, HO Wai-chi and Deputy Director of Oxfam Hong Kong, Kanie SIU
Health Check Charity Funds Oxfam Corporate Donor Excellence Award (HKD50,000 or above)
JOIN US IN FIGHTING POVERTY!
TNT Express Worldwide (HK) Ltd
We treasure working with you.
Towngas Sino Group
Enquiry for programme details and acknowledgement:
Lovells
3120 5263
Oxfam Corporate Donor Honour Award (HKD200,000 or above) The Nielsen Company Hong Kong Limited
Address: 17/F, China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, Hong Kong.
Tel: 3120-5263
Fax: 2527-6213
Website: www.oxfam.org.hk
Editorial Committee: Kanie Siu, Gary Ku, Merida Cheung Issue 2, Summer 2009
Email: meridac@oxfam.org.hk
Ms. Fanny Chan
Managing Director of The Nielsen Company (Hong Kong)
he field of market research usually projects a cold impression, with its tangle of numbers and calculations and report after report of quite intimidating data and statistics.
Budget unaffected by downturn In the face of the economic downturn, Fanny Chan says, the company has not trimmed its CSR spending. The ultimate concern is to make sure that resources are used in the right way.
The Nielsen Company is making things warmer with a number of initiatives that lighten up the industry. Fanny Chan, Managing Director of The Nielsen Company (Hong Kong), tells Oxfam Hong Kong all about it.
She also has a suggestion for NGOs: agencies need to enhance their communications, which would then enhance the transparency and accountability of their work.
“The ideas came from our Staff Club, which comprises employees from different departments - they had little influence from the management. These initiatives were rather arbitrary at first, ranging from helping the elderly and children, to emergency fundraising,” she says.
As society evolves, people will respond to the social issues that strike them as important. One thing is sure - we will work with NGOs that are credible and responsive
Add value to branding With a growing awareness of corporate social responsibility (CSR), Nielsen has started to focus its projects on youth and the environment. Its staff are also encouraged to take part in volunteer activities. Apart from the joy of helping others, the company as a whole also benefits.
Altruist Financial Group Ltd
Oxfam Hong Kong
The Nielsen Team
Fanny Chan explains the rationale, “Staff members learn more about society, which adds value to their capacities. Team spirit can also be strengthened.” In the research industry, there is a practice among some companies to provide incentives to their interviewees, such as discount coupons. In 2003, Nielsen Hong Kong suggested donations in the respondent’s name to a non-profit entity instead, and interviewees took to it enthusiastically. The news spread to Nielsen’s offices in other countries and those types of donations have become common practice in the market research firm now. “This shows both internally and externally that Nielsen is not just commercially oriented. While the concept of social responsibility is still new in the industry, the situation is much better than it was five years ago. As a leader in the industry, Nielsen performs as a role model for others to follow,” Chan enthuses.
Clearly, Nielsen will not be puzzled by the lumps of data and statistics in their daily business. They also have a clear mind in choosing Oxfam as their beneficiary and partner.
Year 2008
Sichuan earthquake Nielsen donated funds for two temporary schools to be built in earthquake-affected areas in Huili, Sichuan Snowstorms in China Donated funds for Oxfam Hong Kong’s snowstorm relief
12 May, 2008, an earthquake rocked Sichuan province. Tens of thousands of people died, and many more were injured or lost their homes. Amidst the rubble, collapsed roads and numerous aftershocks, Oxfam Hong Kong staff were among the quickest to react, delivering emergency supplies and services to survivors. Oxfam Hong Kong felt compelled to respond to this major disaster in our own country, and to do so in as professional a way as possible, drawing on our experience from emergencies around the world. More than a year has passed since the disaster. Oxfam Hong Kong is working closely with Mainland authorities and partners to help communities reconstruct the affected areas and help residents recover their way of life. We focus on more remote villages, and use a participatory approach in reconstruction projects, involving the whole community in planning rehabilitation efforts. Although there has been significant improvement in people's livelihoods and good work has been done to reduce the risks and impacts of future natural disasters, the road to full recovery is still long.
Oxfam Hong Kong staff delivered supplies and services to survivors
In January 2009, Oxfam Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, the first high-level partnership with an international development organisation in the Mainland. The Memorandum enables Oxfam Hong Kong to carry out reconstruction work in 80 of the poorest and remotest communities in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces. We expect this work to continue for another two to four years. Ongoing support from the business sector is crucial in pushing forward these projects. With 22 years of relief and development experience in the Mainland, we will make sure every cent of your donation is spent on the rehabilitation of those whose lives were damaged by the earthquake. You can log on to our website www.oxfam.org.hk to keep track of the full range of our earthquake recovery work in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces.
John Sayer
Director General, Oxfam Hong Kong
Issue 2, Summer 2009
樂施會企業捐款表格 Oxfam Corporate Donation Form
查詢電話 Enquiries: 3120 5000 傳真號碼 Fax: 2590 6880
本公司願意成為樂施會企業定期捐款者，每月定額捐款 捐款公司資料 Corporate Donor Information Our company wants to become an Oxfam Corporate Partner and donate monthly: □ HK$500
□ HK$800
□ HK$1,000
參考編號 Serial number:
（請盡量以英文正楷填寫 IN BLOCK LETTERS）
(請以信用卡或自動轉賬捐款 Please use credit card or autopay)
□ 其他 Your choice HK$
（為免捐款公司記錄重複，煩請填寫。請參考地址標籤。To avoid corporate donor record duplication only. Please refer to the mailing label）
公司名稱 Company name
或 OR 本公司願意一次過捐款 Making a one-off donation: (請以信用卡或支票捐款 Please use credit card or cheque)
□ HK$3,000 □ HK$5,000
□ HK$10,000
收據抬頭 Receipt name（公司名稱 Company name）
□ 其他 Your choice HK$
Please send this form together with the cheque or original （如與以上相同, 則不用填寫。This company name will be marked on receipt.）
捐款方法 Donation Method
2009CC015
聯絡人 Contact person （先生 / 女士 / 小姐 / 太太 Mr / Ms / Mrs / Miss）
□ DINER
持卡人姓名 Cardholder’s name
□ VISA
□ MASTER
月M / 信用卡號碼 Card No.:
年Y
持卡人簽名 Cardholder’s signature:
Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong. (Attention:
【或貴公司可直接與樂施會聯絡（電話: 3120 5263 張小姐）】
Our company is interested in “Oxfam Corporate Donor Programme”, please contact our contact person.
部門 Department
[Or please contact Oxfam for details (Ms Cheung: 3120 5263)]
閣下從以下哪一個途徑獲得本快訊資料 Ways to get this newsletters: （可選擇多於一項 Please select one or more choices）
信用卡每月捐款將在收到此表格後約10個工作天生效，並會在每月8號左右過數，每月捐款於該信用卡到期再續後將繼續自動過數，直至閣下 另行通知為止。Monthly donation payment will become effective 10 working days after receipt of this form. Thereafter, transactions will normally be processed around the 8th of every month. Monthly donation via credit card will continue upon renewal as it expires, unless notified otherwise.
劃線支票 By crossed cheque（抬頭請寫「樂施會」payable to OXFAM HONG KONG） 支票號碼 Cheque no.:
聯絡電話 Tel no.
傳真號碼 Fax no.
1 3
□ 樂施會郵件 / 電郵 By Mail / Email from Oxfam Hong Kong □ 朋友介紹 / 傳閱 Referral or Circulations from friends
電郵 Email
□ 其他，請註明 Others, please state:
發票銀行 Issuing bank:
直接存入戶口 By direct transfer - 滙豐銀行 HSBC 001-537000-001
（請連同存款收據正本寄回 Please send this form together with the original bank receipt）
Join!
1: Rice Selling Kick-off Ceremony 2008 2: Corporate rice selling volunteer team 3: Be an Oxfam Monthly Donor 4: Oxfam Donation Box
veryone dreams, aspiring for advancement and improvement in life. But can development really help achieve everyone’s dream?
Another Side of the Fairy Tale features a cast of characters who apparently have no relationship with each other but are in fact interconnected through all kinds of economic activities.
C
orporations and other organisations can offer their support to Oxfam Hong Kong through the following ways:
To take part in this and other meaningful workshops for your staff and their family, please contact Ms Cheung at 3120 5263 for enquiries, enrolment and other arrangements.
Sponsor a campaign Oxfam Rice Sale - Oxfam China Development Fund In 1992, Oxfam Hong Kong set up the Oxfam China Development Fund to support our poverty alleviation and emergency relief projects in the Mainland; we have since allocated over HK$375 million to more than 1,408 projects in 28 provinces across the country.
Rich and Poor - Another Side of the Fairy Tale
Corporations, organisations and corporate foundations can join Oxfam’s China Development Fund Campaign through the following ways:
Through participating in this workshop conducted by professional Theatre-in-Education artist-teachers, the audience can explore the situation and challenges faced by poor people in developing countries and reflect on their own social responsibility right here in Hong Kong.
Established in 2005, the Oxfam Hong Kong Interactive Education Centre (IEC) provides an experiential environment for learning about poverty and sustainable development. Through dialogue and interaction, participants develop an empathetic understanding about the situation of poor people around the world, including Hong Kong. IEC provides 11 interactive workshops on various themes, such as Rich and Poor, International Trade and Poverty, Environment and Disasters, Resources Distribution and Hunger, and War and Conflict. Each workshop is two to three hours long and can accommodate 15 to 45 participants.
Educational Theatre by Oxfam Hong Kong Duration
Venue Fee
Date and Time Language
3 hours
Oxfam Hong Kong - 9/F, China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong $1000 per workshop To be agreed
Cantonese, supplemented by English synopsis, if needed
Corporate Sharing
• Join the Oxfam Rice Sale Corporate Volunteer Scheme • Be a sponsor of the Oxfam China Development Fund • Participate as a co-organiser of the Oxfam Rice Sale • Buy Oxfam Rice in bulk Sponsor the Oxfam China Development Fund (Oxfam Rice Sale) The Oxfam China Development Fund is covered extensively in the print and on-line media, as well as through Oxfam’s own methods, including TV broadcasting, print advertisements, direct mail and webpage promotions. This helps your corporation, organisation or corporate foundation reach the Hong Kong community.
Sharing with TNT Express Worldwide Q - Oxfam
cooperating with Oxfam Hong Kong.
A:
It is an excellent opportunity to enhance the awareness of social responsibility of our colleagues and provide opportunity for our colleagues to participate in meaningful local community service such as the Oxfam Rice Sale.
Q: What do you think of corporate volunteering in
A:
Q: How can your company embrace CSR in your corporate culture? With consideration for corporate citizenship, how do you think can implementing CSR strategies enhance and maximise business results in the long run?
Hong Kong? What is your company’s strategy to encourage staff members to take part in volunteering in the coming five years?
A:
There are more and more corporations in Hong Kong organising their own volunteer teams, providing volunteer services to all kinds of NGOs locally and internationally. For TNT Hong Kong, we encourage our colleagues to bring along their families and friends to volunteer services as it is a good opportunity to give help to the people in need on one hand, and it is also a good chance to build up relationships among them.
Q: What motivates your company to develop volunteering among staff members? Is there any positive feedback from them?
We receive a lot of positive feedback from our colleagues when they perform volunteer services. TNT always takes the lead in being a responsible corporation by not only fulfilling basic social responsibilities; we go the extra mile in providing volunteer services in order to cultivate the caring spirit and to build up the confidence of our colleagues as well.
Issue 2, Summer 2009
Why be an Oxfam Partner? • Your monthly donations help us plan our work (and budget) better. • You can help us cut costs - fewer appeal mailings are needed. • You will receive our magazines, project updates, invitations to events, discounts at The Oxfam Shop, and more. • You can even visit Oxfam’s project sites to witness changes firsthand. Place an Oxfam donation box You can offer us your outlet to collect your clients’ small change to help poor people. Arrange seminars on poverty alleviation Inviting Oxfam to hold seminars for your institution can help your staff and members understand more poverty and about Oxfam Hong Kong as a whole. Seminars can also be held on CSR. Buy Oxfam Unwrapped greeting cards Oxfam provides Oxfam Unwrapped greeting cards for you to send to your business partners during festive seasons. You can overprint your customised message or corporate name and logo on the greeting card. For more information: www.oxfamunwrapped.org.hk Name ‘Oxfam Hong Kong’ as the beneficiary of your fundraising event Apart from participating in our fundraising activities, corporations, organisations and corporate foundations are welcome to organise their own activities and name Oxfam Hong Kong as the beneficiary of the event. Give a donation Your donation can be designated to support any one of the following Oxfam poverty alleviation projects: • a project in China • a project in Africa • an education project • a project anywhere else in the world
Highlights of Fundraising Campaign of the Oxfam China Development Fund 2009
Q: Why is Oxfam Hong Kong one of your choices? Oxfam provides a lot of opportunities for our colleagues to serve the community. Through the annual Oxfam Rice Sale, our colleagues and their family members experience the joy of serving the community.
Join a staff / client monthly donation scheme Corporations can encourage their staff, shareholders and clients to support Oxfam’s work by becoming monthly donors, enabling our long-term development work around the world.
Corporate Acknowledgement
A - TNT Express Worldwide (HK) Ltd.
Q: Please share your fruitful experience in
A:
Join the Corporate Volunteer Scheme Oxfam Rice Sale - Corporate Volunteer Scheme The Oxfam Rice Sale is an annual fundraising event of the Oxfam Hong Kong, held in May annually, with the support of various corporations, organisations and schools. Corporations, organisations and corporate foundations are invited to involve their staff members as volunteers in running a stall named under their institution. A specially-designed banner acknowledges the efforts of each corporation, organisation and corporate foundation.
Oxfam Interactive Education Centre
E
2 4
所收集的貴公司資料將保密處理，作為寄發收據及與貴公司通訊的用途。若貴公司不 願意收到樂施會任何資料，請在□上加上¸號。Your company data collected will be treated as strictly confidential and will be used only for receipting and other communications with your company. If your company would not like to receive any correspondence from Oxfam, please tick this □.
通訊地址 Mailing Address
Factory workers work hard on the sewing machine day after day
Sponsor a project Oxfam Hong Kong has supported projects in over 70 countries and regions, including China, Hong Kong, the Mekong, Archipelagic Southeast Asia, South Asia and southern Africa. It carries out a range of community development projects, including sustainable livelihoods, basic education, natural resource management and disaster risk reduction to help poor people help themselves. Corporations, organisations and corporate foundations can support a designated Oxfam development project.
Donations are tax-deductible with official receipts. 本公司有興趣了解「樂施扶貧企業計劃」, 請與左列聯絡人聯繫。
職位 Position
信用卡有效期至 Card expiry date:
bank-in slip to Oxfam Hong Kong, 17/F, China United
Fundraising Partnership with Oxfam Hong Kong
Appeals Team). Credit donations can be faxed to 2590-6880.
自動轉賬 By autopay（自動轉賬授權書隨後寄上 Please send me an autopay authorization form） 信用卡 By credit card □ AMEX
About Oxfam
請將此表格連同支票、銀行入數紙正本寄往香港北角馬寶道 28號華滙中心17樓樂施會收，請註明「公司捐款」。信用卡 捐款可傳真至 2590-6880。捐款可憑收據申請稅項寬減。
T
he Oxfam Rice Sale was held on 9, 10, 16 and 17 May. We raised over HK$ 2.9 million from the Oxfam Rice Sale to contribute to the Oxfam China Development Fund.
More than 200 organisations and around 3000 volunteers supported the Campaign, with the generous support of companies such as Marriott Vacation Club Asia Pacific, Sino Group, TNT Worldwide Express (HK) Ltd., The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, and Oxfam Rice Sponsor, Dah Chong Hong.
A:
We actively report what we have implemented on our CSR initiatives. From providing a safe and healthy working environment to colleagues, protecting our environment while operating, to taking good care of our colleagues’ personal development, we use the slogan “Care For You and the World” to lead our colleagues to the same CSR direction. When talking about maximising business results, being a socially responsible company definitely helps gain business advantages as relevant compliances are often required.
Snapshot from the press launch on 6 May
Our cheerful corporate volunteers team
Issue 2, Summer 2009
樂施會企業捐款表格 Oxfam Corporate Donation Form
查詢電話 Enquiries: 3120 5000 傳真號碼 Fax: 2590 6880
本公司願意成為樂施會企業定期捐款者，每月定額捐款 捐款公司資料 Corporate Donor Information Our company wants to become an Oxfam Corporate Partner and donate monthly: □ HK$500
□ HK$800
□ HK$1,000
參考編號 Serial number:
（請盡量以英文正楷填寫 IN BLOCK LETTERS）
(請以信用卡或自動轉賬捐款 Please use credit card or autopay)
□ 其他 Your choice HK$
（為免捐款公司記錄重複，煩請填寫。請參考地址標籤。To avoid corporate donor record duplication only. Please refer to the mailing label）
公司名稱 Company name
或 OR 本公司願意一次過捐款 Making a one-off donation: (請以信用卡或支票捐款 Please use credit card or cheque)
□ HK$3,000 □ HK$5,000
□ HK$10,000
收據抬頭 Receipt name（公司名稱 Company name）
□ 其他 Your choice HK$
Please send this form together with the cheque or original （如與以上相同, 則不用填寫。This company name will be marked on receipt.）
捐款方法 Donation Method
2009CC015
聯絡人 Contact person （先生 / 女士 / 小姐 / 太太 Mr / Ms / Mrs / Miss）
□ DINER
持卡人姓名 Cardholder’s name
□ VISA
□ MASTER
月M / 信用卡號碼 Card No.:
年Y
持卡人簽名 Cardholder’s signature:
Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong. (Attention:
【或貴公司可直接與樂施會聯絡（電話: 3120 5263 張小姐）】
Our company is interested in “Oxfam Corporate Donor Programme”, please contact our contact person.
部門 Department
[Or please contact Oxfam for details (Ms Cheung: 3120 5263)]
閣下從以下哪一個途徑獲得本快訊資料 Ways to get this newsletters: （可選擇多於一項 Please select one or more choices）
信用卡每月捐款將在收到此表格後約10個工作天生效，並會在每月8號左右過數，每月捐款於該信用卡到期再續後將繼續自動過數，直至閣下 另行通知為止。Monthly donation payment will become effective 10 working days after receipt of this form. Thereafter, transactions will normally be processed around the 8th of every month. Monthly donation via credit card will continue upon renewal as it expires, unless notified otherwise.
劃線支票 By crossed cheque（抬頭請寫「樂施會」payable to OXFAM HONG KONG） 支票號碼 Cheque no.:
聯絡電話 Tel no.
傳真號碼 Fax no.
1 3
□ 樂施會郵件 / 電郵 By Mail / Email from Oxfam Hong Kong □ 朋友介紹 / 傳閱 Referral or Circulations from friends
電郵 Email
□ 其他，請註明 Others, please state:
發票銀行 Issuing bank:
直接存入戶口 By direct transfer - 滙豐銀行 HSBC 001-537000-001
（請連同存款收據正本寄回 Please send this form together with the original bank receipt）
Join!
1: Rice Selling Kick-off Ceremony 2008 2: Corporate rice selling volunteer team 3: Be an Oxfam Monthly Donor 4: Oxfam Donation Box
veryone dreams, aspiring for advancement and improvement in life. But can development really help achieve everyone’s dream?
Another Side of the Fairy Tale features a cast of characters who apparently have no relationship with each other but are in fact interconnected through all kinds of economic activities.
C
orporations and other organisations can offer their support to Oxfam Hong Kong through the following ways:
To take part in this and other meaningful workshops for your staff and their family, please contact Ms Cheung at 3120 5263 for enquiries, enrolment and other arrangements.
Sponsor a campaign Oxfam Rice Sale - Oxfam China Development Fund In 1992, Oxfam Hong Kong set up the Oxfam China Development Fund to support our poverty alleviation and emergency relief projects in the Mainland; we have since allocated over HK$375 million to more than 1,408 projects in 28 provinces across the country.
Rich and Poor - Another Side of the Fairy Tale
Corporations, organisations and corporate foundations can join Oxfam’s China Development Fund Campaign through the following ways:
Through participating in this workshop conducted by professional Theatre-in-Education artist-teachers, the audience can explore the situation and challenges faced by poor people in developing countries and reflect on their own social responsibility right here in Hong Kong.
Established in 2005, the Oxfam Hong Kong Interactive Education Centre (IEC) provides an experiential environment for learning about poverty and sustainable development. Through dialogue and interaction, participants develop an empathetic understanding about the situation of poor people around the world, including Hong Kong. IEC provides 11 interactive workshops on various themes, such as Rich and Poor, International Trade and Poverty, Environment and Disasters, Resources Distribution and Hunger, and War and Conflict. Each workshop is two to three hours long and can accommodate 15 to 45 participants.
Educational Theatre by Oxfam Hong Kong Duration
Venue Fee
Date and Time Language
3 hours
Oxfam Hong Kong - 9/F, China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong $1000 per workshop To be agreed
Cantonese, supplemented by English synopsis, if needed
Corporate Sharing
• Join the Oxfam Rice Sale Corporate Volunteer Scheme • Be a sponsor of the Oxfam China Development Fund • Participate as a co-organiser of the Oxfam Rice Sale • Buy Oxfam Rice in bulk Sponsor the Oxfam China Development Fund (Oxfam Rice Sale) The Oxfam China Development Fund is covered extensively in the print and on-line media, as well as through Oxfam’s own methods, including TV broadcasting, print advertisements, direct mail and webpage promotions. This helps your corporation, organisation or corporate foundation reach the Hong Kong community.
Sharing with TNT Express Worldwide Q - Oxfam
cooperating with Oxfam Hong Kong.
A:
It is an excellent opportunity to enhance the awareness of social responsibility of our colleagues and provide opportunity for our colleagues to participate in meaningful local community service such as the Oxfam Rice Sale.
Q: What do you think of corporate volunteering in
A:
Q: How can your company embrace CSR in your corporate culture? With consideration for corporate citizenship, how do you think can implementing CSR strategies enhance and maximise business results in the long run?
Hong Kong? What is your company’s strategy to encourage staff members to take part in volunteering in the coming five years?
A:
There are more and more corporations in Hong Kong organising their own volunteer teams, providing volunteer services to all kinds of NGOs locally and internationally. For TNT Hong Kong, we encourage our colleagues to bring along their families and friends to volunteer services as it is a good opportunity to give help to the people in need on one hand, and it is also a good chance to build up relationships among them.
Q: What motivates your company to develop volunteering among staff members? Is there any positive feedback from them?
We receive a lot of positive feedback from our colleagues when they perform volunteer services. TNT always takes the lead in being a responsible corporation by not only fulfilling basic social responsibilities; we go the extra mile in providing volunteer services in order to cultivate the caring spirit and to build up the confidence of our colleagues as well.
Issue 2, Summer 2009
Why be an Oxfam Partner? • Your monthly donations help us plan our work (and budget) better. • You can help us cut costs - fewer appeal mailings are needed. • You will receive our magazines, project updates, invitations to events, discounts at The Oxfam Shop, and more. • You can even visit Oxfam’s project sites to witness changes firsthand. Place an Oxfam donation box You can offer us your outlet to collect your clients’ small change to help poor people. Arrange seminars on poverty alleviation Inviting Oxfam to hold seminars for your institution can help your staff and members understand more poverty and about Oxfam Hong Kong as a whole. Seminars can also be held on CSR. Buy Oxfam Unwrapped greeting cards Oxfam provides Oxfam Unwrapped greeting cards for you to send to your business partners during festive seasons. You can overprint your customised message or corporate name and logo on the greeting card. For more information: www.oxfamunwrapped.org.hk Name ‘Oxfam Hong Kong’ as the beneficiary of your fundraising event Apart from participating in our fundraising activities, corporations, organisations and corporate foundations are welcome to organise their own activities and name Oxfam Hong Kong as the beneficiary of the event. Give a donation Your donation can be designated to support any one of the following Oxfam poverty alleviation projects: • a project in China • a project in Africa • an education project • a project anywhere else in the world
Highlights of Fundraising Campaign of the Oxfam China Development Fund 2009
Q: Why is Oxfam Hong Kong one of your choices? Oxfam provides a lot of opportunities for our colleagues to serve the community. Through the annual Oxfam Rice Sale, our colleagues and their family members experience the joy of serving the community.
Join a staff / client monthly donation scheme Corporations can encourage their staff, shareholders and clients to support Oxfam’s work by becoming monthly donors, enabling our long-term development work around the world.
Corporate Acknowledgement
A - TNT Express Worldwide (HK) Ltd.
Q: Please share your fruitful experience in
A:
Join the Corporate Volunteer Scheme Oxfam Rice Sale - Corporate Volunteer Scheme The Oxfam Rice Sale is an annual fundraising event of the Oxfam Hong Kong, held in May annually, with the support of various corporations, organisations and schools. Corporations, organisations and corporate foundations are invited to involve their staff members as volunteers in running a stall named under their institution. A specially-designed banner acknowledges the efforts of each corporation, organisation and corporate foundation.
Oxfam Interactive Education Centre
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所收集的貴公司資料將保密處理，作為寄發收據及與貴公司通訊的用途。若貴公司不 願意收到樂施會任何資料，請在□上加上¸號。Your company data collected will be treated as strictly confidential and will be used only for receipting and other communications with your company. If your company would not like to receive any correspondence from Oxfam, please tick this □.
通訊地址 Mailing Address
Factory workers work hard on the sewing machine day after day
Sponsor a project Oxfam Hong Kong has supported projects in over 70 countries and regions, including China, Hong Kong, the Mekong, Archipelagic Southeast Asia, South Asia and southern Africa. It carries out a range of community development projects, including sustainable livelihoods, basic education, natural resource management and disaster risk reduction to help poor people help themselves. Corporations, organisations and corporate foundations can support a designated Oxfam development project.
Donations are tax-deductible with official receipts. 本公司有興趣了解「樂施扶貧企業計劃」, 請與左列聯絡人聯繫。
職位 Position
信用卡有效期至 Card expiry date:
bank-in slip to Oxfam Hong Kong, 17/F, China United
Fundraising Partnership with Oxfam Hong Kong
Appeals Team). Credit donations can be faxed to 2590-6880.
自動轉賬 By autopay（自動轉賬授權書隨後寄上 Please send me an autopay authorization form） 信用卡 By credit card □ AMEX
About Oxfam
請將此表格連同支票、銀行入數紙正本寄往香港北角馬寶道 28號華滙中心17樓樂施會收，請註明「公司捐款」。信用卡 捐款可傳真至 2590-6880。捐款可憑收據申請稅項寬減。
T
he Oxfam Rice Sale was held on 9, 10, 16 and 17 May. We raised over HK$ 2.9 million from the Oxfam Rice Sale to contribute to the Oxfam China Development Fund.
More than 200 organisations and around 3000 volunteers supported the Campaign, with the generous support of companies such as Marriott Vacation Club Asia Pacific, Sino Group, TNT Worldwide Express (HK) Ltd., The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, and Oxfam Rice Sponsor, Dah Chong Hong.
A:
We actively report what we have implemented on our CSR initiatives. From providing a safe and healthy working environment to colleagues, protecting our environment while operating, to taking good care of our colleagues’ personal development, we use the slogan “Care For You and the World” to lead our colleagues to the same CSR direction. When talking about maximising business results, being a socially responsible company definitely helps gain business advantages as relevant compliances are often required.
Snapshot from the press launch on 6 May
Our cheerful corporate volunteers team
Issue 2, Summer 2009
CSR Corner
Why Corporate Transparency?
As
a development and humanitarian agency, Oxfam’s work on poverty is widely acknowledged. However, when we urge companies to be socially responsible, or to be more transparent about their business practices, many ask how these issues are relevant to the livelihoods of poor people. Oxfam Hong Kong believes companies should implement corporate social responsibility (CSR). Our understanding of the notion of CSR goes beyond philanthropy or staff volunteering. CSR is fundamentally seen in business practices, including the presence of ethical supply chains, the alignment of labour practices with international standards, the mitigation of company operations’ impacts on the environment, etc. We strongly believe that if companies are responsible in their business practices, a greater number of people would benefit, including their workers. Adopting higher labour standards also addresses the problem of employment poverty. Transparency is crucial to CSR. Oxfam believes that companies should let people know the impact of their operations on society and environment. Two years ago, we undertook the first research on disclosure of Hong Kong garment companies’ labour practices. The results were rather disappointing, as most companies scored zero out of 100 points in the rating exercise.
Recently, we revisited this issue, publishing the second transparency report in March 2009. Credit should be given to those few companies that scored high, as well as companies that were willing to cooperate with Oxfam and our consultant, CSR Asia, during the research. In general, however, the majority are still far from satisfactory in terms of transparency in their labour practices. Of 26 surveyed companies, 19 received zero points, another five scored from 10 to 33 points, and almost all of them are still below international standards. Esquel is the only Hong Kong-based firm to score high, with a mark of 70, which is comparable to the best scorers in an earlier survey of companies in Canada. Companies that act responsibly are happy to let their customers and investors know about their actions. They are the ones most willing to undertake social and environmental reporting because they enjoy the benefits of having greater transparency and a good corporate image, both of which attract more business opportunities. Consumers can exercise their power by choosing to buy only ethically produced goods from companies. Investors could likewise make their investment decisions to support only those companies committed to social and environmental responsibility. If companies behave in a transparent manner, labour rights would be better ensured. When companies adhere to international labour
EXPRESS
Issue 2, Summer 2009
If undelivered, please return to 17/F, China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Cover Story
Not just about statistics - an interview with The Nielsen Company
standards, they help improve the livelihoods of their workers, thus contributing to the well-being of poor and disadvantaged people. Oxfam believes that transparency, challenging as it is, is an opportunity for companies, rather than a threat. We believe that corporate transparency is an important first step for a corporation to achieve meaningful CSR. And in acting responsibly, companies can enjoy financial returns, while society as a whole can prosper.
Words from Oxfam
After 5.12
For details on Oxfam’s Transparency Report II: Have Hong Kong Garment Companies Improved their Reporting on Labour Standards? please visit http://www.oxfam.org.hk/public/contents/54193
On
Corporate Acknowledgement
Oxfam Corporate Donor Programme Outstanding Award 2008-2009
In
T
order to show our high appreciation to the continuous sponsorship and support from our members to Oxfam Corporate Donor Programme for the last 12 months, outstanding awards were presented to the following awardees:
(in alphabetical order) Oxfam Corporate Donor Outstanding Award (HKD20,000 or above) Tai Shing Group (Holdings) Co Ltd Prince Jewellery & Watch Co Wing Hang Bank Hong Kong Health Check and Laboratory Holdings Company Ltd Winnie Leung & Co Agile Property Holdings Ltd Marriott Vacation Club Asia Pacific HOCC Charity Fund Ltd Hang Seng Bank Cathay Pacific Catering Services (HK) Limited
Oxfam Corporate Donor Outstanding Awardees with Oxfam Ambassador, Ms. Myolie WU Hang-Yee, Hong Kong Director of Oxfam Hong Kong, HO Wai-chi and Deputy Director of Oxfam Hong Kong, Kanie SIU
Health Check Charity Funds Oxfam Corporate Donor Excellence Award (HKD50,000 or above)
JOIN US IN FIGHTING POVERTY!
TNT Express Worldwide (HK) Ltd
We treasure working with you.
Towngas Sino Group
Enquiry for programme details and acknowledgement:
Lovells
3120 5263
Oxfam Corporate Donor Honour Award (HKD200,000 or above) The Nielsen Company Hong Kong Limited
Address: 17/F, China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, Hong Kong.
Tel: 3120-5263
Fax: 2527-6213
Website: www.oxfam.org.hk
Editorial Committee: Kanie Siu, Gary Ku, Merida Cheung Issue 2, Summer 2009
Email: meridac@oxfam.org.hk
Ms. Fanny Chan
Managing Director of The Nielsen Company (Hong Kong)
he field of market research usually projects a cold impression, with its tangle of numbers and calculations and report after report of quite intimidating data and statistics.
Budget unaffected by downturn In the face of the economic downturn, Fanny Chan says, the company has not trimmed its CSR spending. The ultimate concern is to make sure that resources are used in the right way.
The Nielsen Company is making things warmer with a number of initiatives that lighten up the industry. Fanny Chan, Managing Director of The Nielsen Company (Hong Kong), tells Oxfam Hong Kong all about it.
She also has a suggestion for NGOs: agencies need to enhance their communications, which would then enhance the transparency and accountability of their work.
“The ideas came from our Staff Club, which comprises employees from different departments - they had little influence from the management. These initiatives were rather arbitrary at first, ranging from helping the elderly and children, to emergency fundraising,” she says.
As society evolves, people will respond to the social issues that strike them as important. One thing is sure - we will work with NGOs that are credible and responsive
Add value to branding With a growing awareness of corporate social responsibility (CSR), Nielsen has started to focus its projects on youth and the environment. Its staff are also encouraged to take part in volunteer activities. Apart from the joy of helping others, the company as a whole also benefits.
Altruist Financial Group Ltd
Oxfam Hong Kong
The Nielsen Team
Fanny Chan explains the rationale, “Staff members learn more about society, which adds value to their capacities. Team spirit can also be strengthened.” In the research industry, there is a practice among some companies to provide incentives to their interviewees, such as discount coupons. In 2003, Nielsen Hong Kong suggested donations in the respondent’s name to a non-profit entity instead, and interviewees took to it enthusiastically. The news spread to Nielsen’s offices in other countries and those types of donations have become common practice in the market research firm now. “This shows both internally and externally that Nielsen is not just commercially oriented. While the concept of social responsibility is still new in the industry, the situation is much better than it was five years ago. As a leader in the industry, Nielsen performs as a role model for others to follow,” Chan enthuses.
Clearly, Nielsen will not be puzzled by the lumps of data and statistics in their daily business. They also have a clear mind in choosing Oxfam as their beneficiary and partner.
Year 2008
Sichuan earthquake Nielsen donated funds for two temporary schools to be built in earthquake-affected areas in Huili, Sichuan Snowstorms in China Donated funds for Oxfam Hong Kong’s snowstorm relief
12 May, 2008, an earthquake rocked Sichuan province. Tens of thousands of people died, and many more were injured or lost their homes. Amidst the rubble, collapsed roads and numerous aftershocks, Oxfam Hong Kong staff were among the quickest to react, delivering emergency supplies and services to survivors. Oxfam Hong Kong felt compelled to respond to this major disaster in our own country, and to do so in as professional a way as possible, drawing on our experience from emergencies around the world. More than a year has passed since the disaster. Oxfam Hong Kong is working closely with Mainland authorities and partners to help communities reconstruct the affected areas and help residents recover their way of life. We focus on more remote villages, and use a participatory approach in reconstruction projects, involving the whole community in planning rehabilitation efforts. Although there has been significant improvement in people's livelihoods and good work has been done to reduce the risks and impacts of future natural disasters, the road to full recovery is still long.
Oxfam Hong Kong staff delivered supplies and services to survivors
In January 2009, Oxfam Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, the first high-level partnership with an international development organisation in the Mainland. The Memorandum enables Oxfam Hong Kong to carry out reconstruction work in 80 of the poorest and remotest communities in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces. We expect this work to continue for another two to four years. Ongoing support from the business sector is crucial in pushing forward these projects. With 22 years of relief and development experience in the Mainland, we will make sure every cent of your donation is spent on the rehabilitation of those whose lives were damaged by the earthquake. You can log on to our website www.oxfam.org.hk to keep track of the full range of our earthquake recovery work in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces.
John Sayer
Director General, Oxfam Hong Kong
Issue 2, Summer 2009