Russell Bedford Video Highlights Global Pro Bono Work
International accounting network produces a film to show how its member firms are helping to make a difference.
- (1888PressRelease) November 08, 2011 - Global accounting network Russell Bedford International has published a short film outlining the pro bono activities of some of its member firms around the world.
The film - titled Helping to Make a Difference - highlights, in particular, the support provided to four charitable foundations: Un Techo Para Colombia ('A Roof for Colombia'), working in some of Bogotá's most deprived areas, building accommodation and developing social support programmes; the Friends of Raveh Ravid Fund, which helps students from Israel's peripheral areas to meet the costs of their college education - provided they, in turn, engage in a programme of social or voluntary work; Sense International, a charity working with deaf and blind children in the developing world; and Deswos, an international organisation with projects in social housing and settlement planning.
Dr Klaus-Peter Hillebrand, chairman of Berlin member firm DOMUS AG, commented: "We are aware that globalisation brings benefits to some, but not all. The firm is using its influence to help those less fortunate. Our clients are from the real estate sector and the social housing sector. We support Deswos, an international charity organisation in social housing and settlement planning, regularly organising fundraising events."
Commenting on the film, Pankaj Shah, a partner in London member firm Lubbock Fine, stressed the importance of professional advisors for charitable organisations, as well as the importance of trustees. "Our pro bono work is mainly for very small charities who cannot afford professional accountants to help them with their accounting. A lot of these have been referred to us by existing clients. In many cases charities do need people to run the charities as trustees, and in my view that is more important than the money aspect. If you get good trustees on board then the fund raising becomes a lot easier." This is a position endorsed by Russell Bedford Colombia partner José Luis Salgado, explaining his firm's support for Un Techo Para Colombia: "We basically work as auditors for the foundation. We don't charge any fees for this work. The foundation improves the quality of life for poor families, constructing small houses for people in complete poverty and trying to implement social programmes."
In Israel, member firm Raveh Ravid & Co. is giving its scholarship students invaluable experience. As Noa, a student in occupational therapy at Haifa University explains: "Raveh Ravid teach us how to choose one project, and raise money for that project - to show our leadership skills, to start it from zero." A view echoed by partner Itzhak Ravid: "The idea is to see that they are becoming new leaders and can make a change in the community."
The film outlining the pro bono activities of Russell Bedford's member firms is available at: http://www.russellbedford.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=86&Itemid=59
or on YouTube at:
http://youtu.be/yuEZHYwE8h0 .
For more information contact Kempton Bedell-Harper on +44 20 7410 0339.
Note to Editors
About Russell Bedford International
Established in 1983, Russell Bedford International is a global network of independent firms of accountants, auditors, tax advisers and business consultants.
Ranked amongst the world's leading accounting and audit networks, Russell Bedford is represented by some 460 partners, 5000 staff and 200 offices in more than 80 countries in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.
All Russell Bedford affiliates are well-established firms offering international business advice and services to local and multinational clients. Most provide a full range of services comprising accounting, auditing, tax advice, general business guidance and financial consulting. In addition, many have special expertise in particular fields, such as international taxation or information technology.
In January 2008 Russell Bedford International was named one of the first 17 full members of the IFAC Forum of Firms after reporting it had implemented a globally coordinated quality assurance programme, committed to the use of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), and met other specific ethics requirements.
Issued by:
Kempton Bedell-Harper
Marketing Director
Russell Bedford International
Russell Bedford House
250 City Road, London EC1V 2QQ
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 20 7410 0339
F: +44 (0) 20 7459 2337
E: info ( @ ) russellbedford dot com
W: www.russellbedford.com
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