The Australian Charities Fund Operations Limited

www.optus.com.au

Optus is an Australian leader in integrated communications, delivering cutting-edge communications, information technology and entertainment services. The company specialises in a broad range of communications services including mobile, local, national and long distance telephony, business network services, internet and satellite services and subscription television.

Optus launched its workplace giving program, Answering the Call, in March 2005 to more than 9,000 employees. The workplace giving element of the program supports charities in the areas of people with disabilities, mental health, children and families at risk, environment, international aid and development, animal welfare, cancer, homelessness and welfare. Optus people are also provided with one day of paid leave each year to volunteer with charity organisations of their choice.

Answering the Call key features

Optus is a leader in integrating their community investments with a focus on assisting disengaged youth and building social inclusion. There is an emphasis on long term, strategic community investment rather than one-off donations.  Along with other employee engagement programs such as pro-bono and workplace fundraising, Answering the Call is an essential element in this long term strategic community investment. Through Answering the Call Optus also encourages long term sustainable employee giving to the charity organisations by matching employee donations, dollar for dollar, up to $200K each year. 

“At Optus, our people are known for their passion and challenger spirit. Our Answering The Call program taps into this passion and spirit through our range of community programs including volunteering, awareness forums and fund raising events, plus payroll giving which Optus matches. We are committed to making a real and sustainable difference to communities in need and enabling our people to feel a sense of pride and connection within the community."
Helen Maisano
Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility
SingTel Optus

ACF Employer Leadership Initiative (ELI)

ELI members work with ACF to provide thought and implementation leadership to further grow engaged employee giving and social impact. As an exclusive benefit for ELI members, ACF offers them an experienced, dedicated account manager to provide tailored advice and support.

Contact The Australian Charities Fund about workplace giving program design or becoming an ACF Employer Leadership Initiative member.