AOC UK works to preserve the world’s rainforests
When AOC UK’s public relations team initially decided upon the idea of saving the world’s rainforests, it was but a small seed of inspiration.
Yet within a matter of weeks, that small idea had expanded to encompass every occupant at Centre Point, the building where AOC has its office..
Well, the results are officially in: over the course of three mornings, a total of 14 AOC volunteers have managed to amass an astounding 647 names willing to support the Prince’s Rainforest Project (PRP).
The PRP is an initiative of HRH, Prince Charles of Wales, the next in line to the British throne.
The PRP team’s objectives are primarily two-pronged: firstly, to make the world aware of the need to stop rainforest deforestation. Secondly, to propose COP13 with an Emergency Package of funding for rainforest nations. COP13, or the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December, is the PRP’s last chance to make a visible change, to provide an alternative to the Kyoto Protocol once that agreement ends.
With that in mind, AOC UK’s PR team came up with the idea of using Centre Point’s main reception area during a brief morning period of one and a half hours, to amass as much support for the project as possible.
“The reception we received was fantastic, and so many people wanted to be a part of the solution,” said AOC UK employee Stephanie West.
The concept was simple enough, yet the amount of work necessary to ensure this outreach activity was carried out efficiently and professionally, was surprising.
Every occupant in the building had to be informed of our plans; security and building management approval was required; and volunteers had to be rounded up. Yet, gratifyingly, there was an incredible level of support received at every turn and from every level of communication, most particularly from AOC’s Chief Executive Mr. Ahmed Alzayyat. Even the King of Saudi Arabia has pledged his support to Prince Charles, for the rainforest project.
With the help of the PRP’s representative, Lucy Dunkerley, AOC UK’s Laura Baker and Kimberly Johans went to great lengths to make the project as successful as possible, even buying stuffed frog toys and creating recycled tote bags with co-branding to hand out to willing participants.
As AOC UK employee Darren Palfrey stated: “The Rainforest Project is a good cause and it’s refreshing to see an organization that isn't trying to get money off people. I am very pleased AOC worked with such a worthwhile cause. I probably wouldn't have found out about the Rainforest Project if it wasn't for AOC and now I am a fully fledged supporter.”
Also on the day, Centre Point’s security staff got in on the act, all too willing to help, by pinning small versions of the toy frog on their shoulders and convincing visitors to sign up.
AOC UK employees including Sandra Mueller and Robyn Sinclair spoke of increase awareness of the rainforest issue through their campaigning.
Sandra found that being actively involved in raising awareness of the importance of stopping deforestation and broadening her knowledge was “just a fantastic experience. How could I miss this, if the future of our planet depends on each single one of us!” she added.
Meanwhile Robyn said: “I never realized the extent of the damage to the rainforest and knowing that in less than 50 years there will be no rainforest encourages me to do more to conserve our environment.”
AOC UK showed their support with one final act: the team created their own frog video to be uploaded onto the official website, at http://www.rainforestsos.org.Meanwhile the AOC-wide photography competition that was launched in July was a way to encourage employees across the company to show their own support and be a part of this successful project.