Daniel Ahern: The Stampede for Sony Foundation

Sony Foundation Australia is the charitable arm of the Sony Group of Companies operating in Australia including Sony Australia, Sony Music, Sony Computer Entertainment, Universal Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Sony Mobile and Sony DADC. Since its inception in 1998, Sony Foundation has raised and donated $29 million to youth-related causes.Our mission is to capitalise on the unique qualities of Sony and contribute to the advancement of the Australian community by assisting youth and fostering their talents. Through our fundraising and activities, Sony Foundation is affirming the global unifying brand message that drives Sony: believe that anything you can imagine, you can make real.The Sony companies contribute to the administrative costs of the Foundation, allowing the net proceeds of funds raised to be distributed in full to all of our youth-focused causes. As well as the backing of the Sony companies, Sony Foundation is also supported by a number of dedicated and passionate corporate partners including some of Australia’s most loved and recognised brands.Since 1998, driven by the vision of helping young people, the Foundation has provided opportunities, support and assistance to thousands of young Australians.Sony Foundation is not only about giving a donation, our role is to facilitate engaged philanthropy. It is about becoming the voice of our young people; the champion of the cause; the answer to the gap in the system.

Sony Foundation partners with existing charities as well as initiating a number of unique campaigns, all of which aim to offer solutions to some of the problems young people in Australia face today. These include severe illness, drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, disability and displacement.Sony Foundation currently has four major charity partnerships and campaigns:

1. You Can – A national youth cancer campaign started in partnership with CanTeen
   
2. Children’s Holiday Camp Program
   
3. Youth Off The Streets
   
4. Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD) – An Australian charity that is changing young lives through music