Weber Shandwick Donates More Than 800 Cell Phones to Support Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention

- Supports Verizon Wireless' HopeLine Phone Recycling and Reuse Program -

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May 10, 2010, 10:00 ET

NEW YORK, May 10 /PRNewswire/ -- In another effort to give back to the communities in which it operates, global public relations firm Weber Shandwick recently conducted a wireless phone collection drive in its U.S. offices. During a two-month period earlier this year, Weber Shandwick's U.S. employees donated more than 800 no-longer-used wireless devices and accessories, which were kept out of landfills and turned into support for domestic violence survivors through HopeLine®, Verizon Wireless' exclusive phone recycling and reuse program.

Weber Shandwick employees were encouraged to donate their old wireless handsets and accessories from any service provider, in any condition. The 800-plus devices collected will help HopeLine to distribute grants and refurbished phones with 3,000 free minutes of service to domestic violence shelters to be used by survivors as they create safety plans and rebuild their lives.

"We were inspired by our long-time client Verizon Wireless and its commitment to preventing domestic violence and raising awareness of the issue through HopeLine," said Cathy Calhoun, president of Weber Shandwick North America. "The HopeLine wireless phone drive generated a lot of positive energy in our offices - we have a culture of people who truly value giving back to their communities so it was a great fit for us."

Since 2001, Verizon Wireless has collected more than 7 million wireless phones and either refurbished or properly disposed of them in an environmentally sound way through the company's long-running, HopeLine program. With the funds raised from the sale of the refurbished phones, Verizon Wireless donates wireless phones and airtime to victims, and provides funding and other contributions to non-profit domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country.

Weber Shandwick is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates through pro-bono community outreach programs around the world. The firm also received the prestigious ISO-14001 "green certification" and has implemented many practices to create a sustainable work environment. These efforts are an important part of Weber Shandwick's company culture and provide another way for employees to be advocates for causes they believe in.

About Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations agency with offices in 76 countries around the world. The firm's success is built on its deep commitment to client service, our people, creativity, collaboration and harnessing the power of Advocates - engaging stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputation. Weber Shandwick provides strategy and execution across practices such as consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, financial services, corporate and crisis management. Its specialized services include digital/social media, advocacy advertising, market research, and corporate responsibility. In 2010, Weber Shandwick was named Global Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report for the second year in a row; an 'Agency of the Decade' by Advertising Age, Large PR Agency of the Year by Bulldog Reporter, and Top Corporate Responsibility Advisory Firm by CR Magazine. The firm has also won numerous 'best place to work' awards around the world including Best Multinational Firm to Work For in EMEA" by The Holmes Report and a "Top Place to Work in PR" by PR News. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com.