PHD’s Big Hug Initiative Aims to Save Lives

Media Network’s CSR Initiative to Bring Together Communications Industry

Dubai, March 5th, 2015: As part of their annual CSR initiative, PHD Big Hug, the international media network will be holding a two-day blood donation drive in the heart of Dubai Media City, endeavoring to bring the communications industry together in a bid to save lives. Held in partnership with the Dubai Blood Donation Centre, a specialized drop-in unit will be positioned outside of the agency’s headquarters – the Omnicom Media Group building – on March 11 and 12, allowing the Dubai Media City community at large to make donations in passing and at their convenience.

It is estimated that one in four patients admitted to hospitals in the UAE are in need of blood transfusions, particularly including cancer, transplant, trauma, Thalassemia and anemic patients. Yet, only 4% of the population donates the vital fluid that only the human body can create. This is why, this year, the focus is of PHD’s Big Hug is to raise awareness of the need for blood donations.

A global initiative, PHD Big Hug is an annual CSR project that supports local charities of the communities in which the international media network operates. Close to 20 PHD offices are participating in this international blood donation drive. In Dubai it will be conducted together with The Dubai Blood Donation Centre, which is a part of Latifa Hospital and provides blood to various humanitarian causes. Increasing awareness, and subsequently donations, is imperative to improving the effectiveness of medical care for critical conditions and ultimately saving lives.

“CSR is a crucial component of our corporate culture that adds a meaningful and invaluable layer to our work life, taking us beyond our daily roles,” said Elda Choucair, managing director of PHD UAE. “PHD Big Hug allows us to contribute to our community, while also leveraging our skills and talent in the communications industry to provide pro-bono services for a cause that improves our society as a whole.”

About PHD:
PHD Worldwide is known globally as an innovator in communications planning and buying across broadcast, print, digital, mobile, social and emerging media. Built on a culture of thought leadership, PHD’s philosophy is “Finding a Better Way.” PHD is one of the world’s fastest growing and most awarded media and communication agencies, with over 3,000 staff working in over 80 offices worldwide.

In the Middle East, it first opened in Dubai in 2005, creating a team for Abu Dhabi in 2008 and opening an office in Riyadh in 2010. At the end of 2012, PHD was awarded 20 ‘Agency of the Year’ accolades including Adweek’s ‘Global Media Agency of the Year’, while the Cristal Festival named it Media Network of the Year in 2013. Not only has its philosophy of “Finding a Better Way” proved effective for its clients, which include Arla, Bentley, Hyatt, Mashreq Bank, Porsche and SC Johnson, it has also contributed to PHD being named a Great Place to Work in the UAE three years in a row, ranking third in 2014.

PHD is part of the Omnicom Media Group (www.omnicommediagroup.com), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC)
www.phdmedia.com