We continue to host a wide variety of community events, including working with a number of charities.
During the 2007 and 2008 series of American Idol, we held an Idol Gives Back television concert event to raise money and awareness for disadvantaged children and those living in extreme poverty in the U.S. and Africa. The shows raised over $140 million.
In the UK, some of our other recent activities have included:
• £50,000 was donated to Community Links’ Arc in the Park Centre. Over 500 children enjoyed weekly, summertime and special needs activities and 10 children were able to visit the set of The Bill.
• 3,500 local children were offered the chance to audition for Newham’s Got Talent, with 22 (25 children) acts performing at the event.
• Toys collected for a Christmas Toys Appeal raised over £2,000.
• Over 125 employees took part in volunteering programmes within the community.
In addition, over 200 of our employees took part in other activities such as GAYE (Give As You Earn), Cycle Programme (cycling to work) and Health Days (nutritionist and massage appointments).