ANZCHAM raises half-a-million pesos for SaferKidsPH

MANILA, 27 January 2022 – The Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ANZCHAM) raised a total of PHP 517,000 for the benefit of the SaferKidsPH program through its 40th Anniversary Charity Ball and Christmas Party celebration last 20 November 2021.

ANZCHAM is a private sector partner of the SaferKidsPH consortium, which seeks to address the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in the Philippines. SaferKidsPH, an Australian Government initiative, is delivered through the pioneering consortium of UNICEF Philippines, Save the Children Philippines, and The Asia Foundation.

In a festive online event that featured auction sales, raffle draws, and personal pledges from members, ANZCHAM celebrated its 40th anniversary by holding a fundraising for the SaferKidsPH program. “ANZCHAM has committed to supporting advocacy, volunteerism, and fundraising activities to keep Filipino children safe online. This very event is our way of saying that our commitment to protecting this country’s children is firm and solid,” said Daniel Alexander, President of ANZCHAM.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson AO joined ANZCHAM members at the event for a cause to speak about the SaferKidsPH advocacy and encourage support from the private sector and the Chamber.

“I welcome the support of ANZCHAM members for SaferKidsPH. Keeping children safe from online dangers is not just the work of governments, but of all sectors of society including communities, families, and the private sector. This call to action is critically important at a time when factors related to the pandemic have increased the risk to some children from online predators.”

Carli Snyman, Chief of Private Fundraising and Partnerships at UNICEF Philippines, received the donation on behalf of the SaferKidsPH consortium.

“We would like to thank ANZCHAM for organizing this fundraising event to support our collective work on ending the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Together, we will be able to support children and adolescents demonstrate personal skills in managing and protecting themselves from risks in digital platforms, reporting their experience of violence, and seeking professional help when needed,” said Snyman.

ANZCHAM has sustained its efforts to advocate for the SaferKidsPH initiative in 2021. Aside from the 40th Anniversary Charity Ball, ANZCHAM created OSAEC-related information drives through its various platforms. It also held town hall meetings for its member companies to help employees in the private sector understand the dangers of OSAEC, as well as provide parents tips and guidelines on how to help their children be safe as they use the Internet.?