MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Today I launched the Destroy a Minefield campaign to Australia's corporate community at Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney.
Chief Executive Officers and Directors of Australia's leading corporations were invited to support this Australian Government initiative which aims to raise funds and destroy minefields in Cambodia.
So far, the campaign has raised at least $175,000 through pledges from the community. The government is matching every $2 raised by the community with a donation of $1.
Corporate community backing is vital in ending the landmine scourge in Cambodia, not only for funding, but to ensure the vocal support of key business figures which will help raise awareness of the campaign with the wider Australian community.
Judging by the strong response to today's event, with the contribution of Australian businesses, we will be able to give Cambodian children and families the chance to build a safer future.
Landmines remain a major humanitarian tragedy. In Cambodia alone, mines cause daily injury and loss of life, particularly among children with an estimated 29,000 people killed or maimed by landmines to date.
The launch consisted of demonstrations from a mine detector dog and the children from Queenwood School for Girls and Pittwater Schools who participated in a hopscotch-athon, a further fundraising activity for the campaign, which is occurring simultaneously across the country.
Media contacts: Innes Willox (Ministerial)
02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Fionna Douglas (AusAID)
02 6206 4967 / 0412 804 489
Melissa Simpson
02 9212 4335 / 0414 330 689