OREANDA-NEWS. July 29, 2008. Early in July, a group of nine partners from PricewaterhouseCoopers Russia (PwC) ascended Elbrus, Europe's highest mountain, in a fundraising effort for the charity foundation Downside Up, reported the press-centre of PwC.

Downside Up focuses on improving the quality of life for children with Down syndrome. This initiative enabled us to raise over 2 million roubles for the foundation. This money will help provide children with Down syndrome with adequate education; it will also be allocated to help support their families.

Every year up to 2,500 children with Down syndrome are born in Russia. In 90 cases out of 100, the families to which these children are born leave them in state care due to the widespread stereotype that children with Down syndrome are ineducable. Since 1997, Downside Up has provided free-of-charge early intervention programmes for these children and their families. These initiatives prove that children with Down syndrome have huge potential to develop if they are supported by family and education specialists.

This is what Irina Menshenina, Downside Up marketing and fundraising director, said about PricewaterhouseCoopers’ initiative:

“I believe this company’s fundraising activity is not only about making a significant donation to our foundation. The fact that the climb participants managed to attract funds from other companies and various individuals is also very important. This means that they all contributed to resolving this acute social issue. All the funds raised during the project will be allocated to the specific educational needs of children with Down syndrome — developing speech and learning skills. To all of us, this is just as important as it is for the children and their families. I believe that helping one another and reaching out to those in need are natural human responses.”

The 5,642m Mt Elbrus climb was a vivid example of how PwC actualises the concepts of corporate responsibility and responsible leadership, connecting social, environmental, commercial and ethical aspects of business management. The firm actively contributes to resolving various problems faced by Russian society, both owing to the effort of its employees, who work as volunteers for charity organisations in many Russian cities and make private donations, and through well-arranged cooperation with its business partners, clients and other stakeholders.

After a long ascent, the PwC partners conquered Mt Elbrus’s highest western peak in the face of strong wind, physical discomfort and weather and altitude acclimatisation.

All the expedition members made personal and financial contributions: They donated to the charity and covered all expedition-related costs.

Lioudmila Mamet, Chair of PricewaterhouseCoopers Charity Committee and expedition participant:

“I’m filled with pride and joy to have been part of such a warm initiative. Every member of the expedition will tell you the same. Climbing Mt Elbrus is a unique experience and a new emotional charge that will last you for many days ahead. I would like to thank all my colleagues as well as the firm’s clients and friends who supported the initiative and made a major contribution to its eventual success.”

Social responsibility
PricewaterhouseCoopers has a corporate social responsibility programme in Russia to address various issues related to education, culture, children and the environment. For many years, the firm has been sponsoring orphanages, secondment programmes for university post-graduates and the restoration of historical and cultural heritage sites. PricewaterhouseCoopers has widely participated in international charity programmes aimed at raising funds for orphans and children from underprivileged families. A new initiative was launched recently to encourage sport in Russia; the pilot project was sponsorship of the legendary CSKA hockey club.

In 2005, PricewaterhouseCoopers started the Charity Instead of Gifts programme. For two years in a row, the firm has brought this idea to life, reallocating its funds for New Year’s business gifts to charities. In 2007, over 90 companies joined this effort, and the number of contributors continues to grow. Apart from addressing specific social issues, the project helps develop a charity-minded culture in Russia.