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Corporate Social Responsibility
News
1.25.2005 ET
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Nokia Humanitarian Aid to Tsunami Relief Work
Company commits EUR 2.5 million to education fund for children in affected areas
(CSRwire) Further to Nokia's immediate initial response in the aftermath of
the Asian tsunami disaster, the company has developed a longer-term
recovery proposal for affected areas in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and
Thailand, with its EUR 2.5 million education fund.
Funds will be distributed among the four countries over a five-year period
and will support educational initiatives such as the reconstruction of
schools and provision of educational equipment, books, supplies,
scholarships and teacher training.
Jorma Ollila, Nokia Chairman and CEO said: "During the first crucial days,
we channeled our relief efforts into direct cash contributions, product and
service donations and extensive employee volunteering. However, with the
early-phase response now largely underway, we wanted to set out plans for
a more sustainable assistance program in helping people rebuild their
lives.
"Education has long been core to Nokia's values and community involvement
work. With schools destroyed, teachers lost and children orphaned in the
South & South East Asia coastal regions, the fund will support a range of
educational needs in these areas."
The Nokia Education Fund is managed by the International Youth Foundation
(IYF), a global, non-governmental organization operating in more than 60
countries. As extensive rebuilding and revitalising work begins in the
affected communities, IYF and Nokia will work on a country-by-country
basis with local governments, NGO's and international aid agencies to
decide on the most appropriate and effective implementation for each area.
The company is also inviting its customers and partners to join this
effort.
Including the new fund allocation, the total value of Nokia's overall
money and in-kind contribution is so far estimated to be in excess of EUR
3 million.
Following is a limited summary of Nokia's relief support efforts to
date:
An immediate initial cash donation from Nokia global via the Red
Cross, Finland, combined with similar country-level donations in Asia and
the rest of the world, amounting to several hundreds of thousands of
euros.
Operator customer teams work to restore and expand network capacity
as well as help in monitoring network stability and planning services.
Approximately 1000 mobile phones given to operators and rescue teams,
including mobile phone and other in-kind donations at country level.
Rapid and responsive employee volunteer effort through Nokia's
internal 'Helping Hands' volunteer program, either by working directly
with aid organizations or participating in employee-giving campaigns, such
as Red Cross and Red Crescent collections. Local Nokia people also donated
basic neccessities such as clothes and blankets in some affected areas.
In numerous countries, employee collection campaigns were matched
100% by Nokia.
Veli Sundback, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations and
Responsibility said: "We sought to respond to this disaster with both
humanitarian aid and technical expertise. In the region, Nokia teams were
on-site, same-day in some cases, working to restore and expand the
telecommunications capacity so critical for emergency relief work.
"On a global level, as we already had the Nokia Helping Hands volunteer
channel in place, our people were able to mobilise rapidly, and the sheer
range of support activities and compassion shown was overwhelming."
About Nokia
Nokia has a positive impact on society that extends beyond the advanced
technology, products and services the company creates. Through its
cooperation with IYF and other regional philanthropic and social
responsibility programs, the company prepares young people to embrace
opportunities created by the global economy and new technological
advancements. The company has been an active regional contributor to youth
and education causes for many years, with Nokia employees making their own
contributions as volunteers in a range of programs throughout the world.
More information about Nokia is available at www.nokia.com.
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