NSW Minister for Volunteering launches Microsoft Australia Employee Citizenship program

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080214 MS Volunteer Mark Jaksetic

Microsoft Australia yesterday (14 February) officially launched the company’s Employee Citizenship program targeting its 750 staff. The new program includes paid volunteer leave, workplace giving and software donations.

NSW Minister for Volunteering, the Hon Linda Burney met with Microsoft’s partner charities who set up information kiosks at the launch, to help employees identify volunteering and workplace giving opportunities.

The charities included: The Smith Family, Cancer Council, WWF, SIDS for Kids, Father Riley’s Youth Off the Streets, Create Foundation, Starlight, Yarnteen Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Corporation, Inspire Foundation and the Australian Senior Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA).

Ms Burney said “This is the first time I have had the privilege of playing a role in a corporate employee volunteering program.” She added “I also want to commend the charities here today for their willingness to work with Microsoft for the common good.”

Mr John Galligan, Director of Corporate Affairs said “Microsoft Australia believes the corporate sector can play a significant role in fostering and encouraging Australians to volunteer.”

In 2007, Microsoft Australia donated $22 million worth of software to more than 1,500 Australian charities and not-for-profit organisations through the company’s Unlimited Potential Software Donation program and with the support of the staff software donation program.