SYDNEY, November 21, 2011 - LexisNexis® Australia (www.lexisnexis.com.au), a leading provider of content and technology solutions, today launched a recruitment drive in the hunt for CEOs, executives and business leaders to take part in "CEO Fast for Famine".
From midnight Monday, 12 December to midnight Tuesday, 13 December, participating CEOs and senior executives will fast for 24 hours to raise money for UNICEF's East Africa appeal, which provides food, clean water and health care to those in need of urgent assistance.
Business leaders who have already agreed to participate include LexisNexis Pacific CEO TJ Viljoen, CEO of Pottinger Cassandra Kelly, Director of NuLegal Anna Fry, and Managing Director at Huron Consulting Nigel Murray.
"CEO Fast for Famine is in direct response to the urgent crisis unfolding across Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti," said Viljoen. "We're delighted to partner with UNICEF to help mobilise Australian businesses to raise the immediate funds needed for UNICEF's emergency relief program. We know it is a stretch at this time of year to grab people's attention, however we are hopeful the spirit of the festive season will encourage donations."
The United Nations has officially declared famine in Southern Somalia where 3.7 million people are being affected. Half of those affected are under the age of 18 and one in five is less than five years old.
The LexisNexis partnership with UNICEF is part of the LexisNexis Cares program, which is dedicated to playing a positive role in the local and global communities where LexisNexis operates. LexisNexis is uniquely positioned to mobilise both internal resources and its corporate and legal partners and client base to raise the urgently needed funds.
"We're urging CEOs, executives and business leaders to join the campaign and ask their colleagues, family and friends to support by donating to an urgent and earnest cause," said Viljoen.
Pottinger's Joint CEO Cassandra Kelly highlighted that anyone can donate, even if they do not have colleagues participating: "There are already decorations in shop windows reminding us of the festive season, but for those battling starvation, this holiday season is a nightmare, and there is no cause for celebration. Our compassion and sympathy is not enough if we want to help alleviate these inhumane conditions, and so I urge everyone to contribute to those in desperate need."
For more information or to nominate yourself or your company's senior management for CEO Fast for Famine, please visit www.lexisnexis.com.au/famine.
About LexisNexis Legal & Professional
LexisNexis Legal & Professional (www.lexisnexis.com) is a leading global provider of content and technology solutions that enable professionals in legal, corporate, tax, government, academic and non-profit organizations to make informed decisions and achieve better business outcomes. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis® and Nexis® services. Today, LexisNexis Legal & Professional harnesses leading-edge technology and world-class content, to help professionals work in faster, easier and more effective ways. Through close collaboration with its customers, the company ensures organizations can leverage its solutions to reduce risk, improve productivity, increase profitability and grow their business. Part of Reed Elsevier, LexisNexis Legal & Professional serves customers in more than 100 countries with 10,000 employees worldwide.
In Australia, LexisNexis® (www.lexisnexis.com.au) is the leading provider of Australian and international news, business, tax and legal information, using leading-edge technology, tools and online solutions.
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Media Contacts:
Jen Armstrong
CMO, LexisNexis Pacific
Tel: +61 2 9422 2639
Email: jen.armstrong@lexisnexis.com.au