As the headlines start to disappear from our television screens, and news editors start to pull out camera crews from the countries affected by the Tsunami disaster, companies prompted by their employees issue a long term strategic response geared to help the victims of the tragedy.

Companies around the UK are supporting the UK Radio Aid by encouraging their employees to donate to the emergency relief efforts through payroll giving, complimented by Business in the Community's Tsunami Promise. Companies say this will allow their staff to make long contributions to the shattered lives of the people affected.

Payroll Giving is an easy and tax effective way for employees to give to charity, and is a vital stream of income. This constant support plays a fundamental role for any charity involved in the rebuilding of communities and lives affected by the Tsunami. An agreed amount is deducted from an employee's gross salary every month and sent to an approved Payroll Giving Agency who will direct the donations to a nominated charity. Payroll Giving is seen as an easy first step for a company to develop a community investment programme. It improves the company's public image, boosts staff morale and provides the company with possible PR opportunities.

The Tsunami Promise, is part of Business in the Community's Payroll Giving Campaign, a way to continue to give to the charities involved in the emergency long after the cameras have left.
The promise is to donate one hour's earnings to DEC the Extended Response Fund, which consists of twelve top line charities involved in the emergence relief effort or to a nominated charity of your choice.

NOTES TO EDITORS

All press enquiries regarding Business in the Community's Tsunami Promise please contact:

Kully Dhadda, Flame PR, tel: 07884 246 858 or email: kully@flamepr.co.uk or
Paul Williams, PR & Press Assistant, Business in the Community, tel: 020 7566 866, mobile: 0779 325 7200 or email: pawilliams@bitc.org.uk

For more information on Payroll Giving please contact:

Caroline Peat, Percent club Manager, Business in the Community, tel: 020 7566 8729 or email: caroline.peat@bitc.org.uk or
Chris Holmes, Research & Development Manager, Business in the Community, tel: 020 7566 8699 or email: chris.holmes@bitc.org.uk

Local case studies are available for for pre-filming and interviews, please contact our regional contacts:

Regional Contacts:
East Midlands - Gillian Clayton
0115 911 6666, email: gillian.clayton@bitc.org.uk
East of England - Juliet Sant
01638 663 272, email: juliet.sant@bitc.org.uk
London & South East - Paul Williams
020 7566 8666, email: pawilliams@bitc.org.uk
North East - Ruth Poulten
0191 487 7799, email: ruth.poulten@bitc.org.uk
North West - Ronee Gunn
0161 233 7750, email: ronee.gunn@bitc.org.uk
Northern Ireland - Catherine Beare
02890 410 410, email: catherine.beare@bitcni.org.uk
South West - Tiffany Hardie-Evans
0117 989 7052, email: tiffany.hardie-evans@bitc.org.uk
Wales - Julie Evans
02920 483 348, email: julie.evans@bitc.org.uk
West Midlands - Purvy Patel
0121 451 2227, email: purvy.patel@bitc.org.uk
Yorkshire & Humber - Abigail Jones
01132 058 248, email: abigail.jones@bitc.org.uk

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