OPTUS ROCKCORPS INSPIRES AUSSIES TO DO SOCIAL GOOD

Optus has joined forces with the internationally renowned volunteering organisation, RockCorps, to unlock Australia’s spirit of volunteering.

Designed to encourage young Australians to make volunteering a part of their lifestyle, Optus RockCorps wants to reward social good. Through engaging and empowering volunteering, Optus RockCorps aims to promote the change people can make in their local communities.

The concept is simple. People volunteer four hours of their time to improving areas in their communities, in return for a ticket to an exclusive music event, featuring big international and Australian acts. Optus RockCorps takes the obstacles out of volunteering by making it simple and fun.

Give four hours to volunteer for a good cause, Get Given one ticket to the exclusive music concert. Optus RockCorps calls this: Give, Get Given.

Nathan Rosenberg, Head of Brand and Services, Optus said, “Optus Rockcorps is an idea we’re proud to be a part of because Optus people have always believed in making good change happen, rewarding our customers and bringing them closer to the things they love. We know young Aussies have so much to offer and really want to make a difference, so we’re excited to help rally them to give back to local communities and in return we’re giving them what they want – access to an exclusive music concert.

“This truly is a major social and community initiative and there’s nothing else like it in the country, so we’re encouraging people to spread the news, be a part of it and make good things happen.”

Stephen Greene, RockCorps CEO said, “We believe in the power of youth to change the world, all they are lacking are the tools and opportunities to do so. Optus RockCorps provides those tools, rewarding youth with a money-can’t-buy concert ticket as well as a feeling of deep personal fulfilment that has led to 67 per cent of participants volunteering all over again – for no reward at all. Since RockCorps’ first concert in New York in 2005, we have used music to inspire 145,000 people to volunteer over half a million hours, improving local communities in four continents.

“Made possible in Australia by Optus, Optus RockCorps will deliver memorable and emotional experiences for the volunteers, and leave a long lasting legacy in participating local communities.”

More than 50 volunteering projects will be held across Sydney giving back20,000 hours of volunteering in the lead up to the exclusive music concert. You can’t buy a ticket, you can’t win a ticket, you need to earn a ticket.

To celebrate the Australian launch, renowned anti-graffiti artist, Judd Shoppee will spend four hours today creating a large mural inspired by the themes of volunteering and music that will reveal the music artists who will play at the concert.

Operating since 2005, RockCorps’ mission is to move a generation to change the world and has worked with partners worldwide in the US, UK, France, Israel and Latin America. Optus is proud to be the major partner in Australia.

Register from today at www.optusrockcorps.com.au or by calling 1 800 ROCK 800. You must be at least 16 years old to register.

Media contact:
Claire Wong
Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850

Linda Moussa
RockCorps Media Manager
(02) 9331 3388
linda@publiccity.com

About RockCorps RockCorps was dreamed up by a group of young American friends in Los Angeles, California, who saw it as a way of getting people to know each other, build neighbourhoods and have fun while doing it. By channeling the power of music and celebrity, RockCorps’ mission is to make volunteering as much a part of youth lifestyle as sports, music, fashion and gaming. Entertainers and politicians have sung the praises of RockCorps alike. It was recently given an award by the UK’s Prime Minister, David Cameron. To date volunteers have given over 500,000 hours to local communities across the world including the US, UK, France, Israel, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela. RockCorps’ first concert took place in New York in 2005. Since then RockCorps has produced spectacular celebration concerts around the world. Artists such as Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Rihanna, David Guetta, Diddy, Akon, Kelly Rowland, and Kanye West, have all joined the RockCorps movement.