Beyond business: the rewards of volunteering at RX 

At RX, we’re committed to making a difference – not just to our customers but to the communities we serve. Through RELX Cares, our global community programme, every employee is given two paid days a year to volunteer and support causes close to their heart. And for those who go above and beyond, RELX rewards them with an incredible opportunity—an exclusive trip to see the impact of one of our charity partners at first-hand. 

Dang Phuong Thao from RX Vietnam and Amrane Lamari from RX France were amongst just eight individuals selected by RELX from across the global organisation to travel to Ghana to see how our donations to Book Aid International are benefitting the Ghana Library Authority.  

Since 2004, RELX has donated over 1.5 million books to the charity, as well as time and money, to increase access to books and information for children and young people in Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Zanzibar. During their trip to Ghana, Phuong Thao and Amrane were able to witness the joy the books bring to children at the Accra Central Library, and to help process books at the RELX-funded Takoradi Library Children’s corner.   

“It was an incredible privilege to discover this fascinating country, and to feel the energy and unique "vibe" of the African continent, with its beautiful landscapes and vibrant atmosphere,” revealed Communications Manager, Amrane. “I will always remember the warm welcome of the schoolchildren at the library, and how they greeted us with a mix of shyness and eagerness.” 

“Their curiosity and thirst for reading were truly motivating for us” he continued. “It was powerful to see the impact the libraries have on their lives, and how the spaces we have helped to create have become real life-enhancing hubs.  The libraries are not just places to borrow books, but also spaces for exchange, learning, and enjoyment for the children.” 

For Dang Phuong, the most unforgettable experience was participating in reading activities with children and students in Ghana. “I will forever cherish the moment when our group sang and danced joyfully to traditional Ghanaian rhythms with the children at the library,” she said.  

RELX’s career orientation session was another inspiring moment: “Seeing the students’ enthusiasm and curiosity through their thoughtful questions reaffirmed the value of this initiative. Although the journey has ended, the images of bright-eyed students, their love for reading, and the dedicated individuals managing the library—who continuously seek opportunities to enhance learning resources—remain deeply in my heart.” 

Taking action against hunger 

Amrane’s Ghana trip was recognition for his efforts in organising RX France’s "Connected Against Hunger" challenge for the past three years. Thanks to Amrane’s inspiration and motivation, participation has grown from 98 colleagues in 2022 to 160 in 2024. The teams challenged each other to walk, run and cycle, logging their kilometers in the Connected Against Hunger app and raising  €19,200 for Action Against Hunger in the process.   

As well as being a focus for the Ghana trip, books are also a feature of Amrane’s regular volunteering efforts in France, where he participates in the "Libraries Without Borders" initiative. In 2024, he and five colleagues helped sort over 3,300 books for the international non-profit that facilitates access to education, culture and information for people in vulnerable situations.  

Reflecting on his volunteering Amrane said: “To me, RELX Cares is a great opportunity to give back to society with the support of my company,” he explained.

Supporting the visually impaired 

Senior HR and Admin Executive Dang Phuong Thao joined RX Vietnam in 2019 and was inspired by RELX Cares to volunteer. In 2022, she secured a $5000 RELX Cares prize fund for the Go Vap District Blind Association, supporting 92 blind members – and it is her continuing support for the charity that was recognised by RELX with a place on the Ghana visit.  

With the money she secured, Dang Phuong was able to fund smartphones, Braille classes, provide financial aid, sponsor Braille book printing, and host a year-end party. Her efforts resulted in 11 impactful programmes, significantly enhancing the lives of the blind members. 

“I volunteer because I believe in the power of small actions creating big change,” shared Dang Phuong.

“To me, RELX Cares represents compassion, empowerment, and community impact. It is more than just a corporate social responsibility program - it is a platform that enables employees to contribute meaningfully to society.”