VML Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Agency Worldwide Foundation Day

VML closed more than 100 offices around the world on Thursday, Sept. 26th to normal business; instead, the agency’s 26,000 global employees will spend the day supporting worthy causes and non-profit organisations of their choice through volunteer projects. Over the past 20 years, VML collectively has supported more than 250 non-profit causes through the Foundation Day program since its inception. 

Goodness goes on tour to celebrate the rhythm of compassion with this year’s theme for VML Worldwide Foundation Day - [Heart Beats.' As the industry’s largest synchronised charitable corporate impact day, the day aims to highlight the collective impact of thousands of colleagues rolling up their sleeves to give back in meaningful ways over the same 24-hour period. VML empowers employees to act on causes that resonate personally. Volunteer activities across the network range from environmental and community-focused initiatives to education and health action. 

Jon Cook, VML global CEO said, “Since the launch of VML earlier this year, one of the things we’ve looked forward to most is the increased impact we can have on Foundation Day. It’s the ultimate embodiment of the agency’s core values, emphasising connection, inspiration and inclusion. While VML volunteers will be deployed in more than 100 individual markets globally, we will be united in purpose and in service of our communities.”

VML Worldwide Foundation Day is a signature feature of the agency’s community outreach program, a priority embedded into the agency’s overall employee experience offering. In addition to VML’s dedication to inclusion, equity, and belonging; career growth and development; and employee well-being, the VML Foundation is an intentional investment in the communities that nurture our business success.

In the US, the VML Foundation is an employee-funded and employee-led organisation held under 501(c)(3) status that surpassed $3.2 million in charitable donations earlier this year. Employees are invited to financially support the Foundation with personal contributions. Foundation members receive tangible benefits, including the ability to secure charitable grants and participate in a $2-to-$1 matching gift program, resulting in hundreds of employee-directed donations each year. Additionally, the VML Foundation supports pro bono services for non-profits, yearlong volunteer opportunities, employee resource group fundraising, disaster relief efforts and more.

Lauren Ziegler, VML Foundation associate director, said, "VML Worldwide Foundation Day continues to provide space for employees to not only connect with local charitable organisations, but also make connections with one another. We focus on the charitable interests of our employees throughout the year, and on Foundation Day we’re able to make an impact on the causes our colleagues care about most.” 

This year, VML employees will donate their time and talents to hundreds of non-profit and community organisations. APAC organisations include: 

VML Australia – Supporting WPP's Reconciliation Action Plan in Australia; pushing WPP towards key goals and objectives created in partnership with First Nations Authority Reconciliation Australia.

VML Melbourne & VML Sydney – Partnering with Refuge Victoria and Mary’s House for a domestic violence education series followed by fundraising, physical volunteering, and donation efforts.

VML China – Organising a charity sale of donated materials to fund bedding for student dormitories in impoverished areas, along with a plastic bottle recycling program to create school uniforms and promote sustainability.

VML Hong Kong – Partnering with The Coral Academy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong to support coral nursery work and research.

VML India – Partnering with Green Yatra and Acon on several activities including a donation drive, environmental workshops, and a sapling donation initiative.

VML Indonesia – Organising a charity bazaar and blood donation drive with proceeds going to a nursing home and orphanage.

VML Malaysia – Holding a charity bazaar to collect funds for donation along with acts of service on Foundation Day.

VML Philippines – Partnering with Kythe Foundation for a Celebrate Life Party with affiliated children’s hospitals, along with running a Hospital Safety Kit donation drive.

VML Singapore – Participation in three charities: assisting with meal prep with Willing Hearts soup kitchen, food delivery for the elderly with Touch Community Services, and sorting donated goods for the Salvation Army.

VML Taiwan – Organising a blood donation drive with the Taipei Blood Centre, along with a community cleaning activity.

VML Thailand – Hosting a flea market event for pre-loved clothing and auctioning items from management, in partnership with home4animals.

VML Vietnam – Give back through voluntary donations from employees towards the victims of recent Yagi typhoon in Vietnam.

VML Auckland – Cleaning and removing rubbish from a local reserve or park. 

VML Wellington – Volunteering for Kaibosh food rescue.

To learn more, visit here and follow VML’s Foundation Day activities via #WeAreVML.