Avon, the company for women, is the world’s largest direct selling beauty company, grossing an annual $10 billion in sales and marketing its comprehensive collection of products to more than 100 countries through 5.4 million independent Avon Sales Representatives. Its signature product lines are among the most well-known globally among women.

Not only has Avon striven to be the company that women need for their self-improvement, it has also committed itself to become the company that improves the lives of women all around the world. Through the Avon Foundation, the global beauty company is able to touch the lives of numerous women and campaign for women’s rights. In its continuous effort to support various women’s causes, the Foundation has raised more than $660 million in over 50 countries ever since the company founded its philanthropic arm in 1955.

Its public charity has focused on two significant areas of concern: breast cancer and domestic violence. Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of diagnosed cancer among women in the world. In the US alone, every three minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. The company launched the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade in 1992 to advance breast cancer research and to expand women’s access to care. The Crusade has sprouted into unique forms worldwide such as the global Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer, the US-based Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and the sale of signature Crusade pink ribbon products.

In 2008, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade was able to generate and award more than $585 million in grants worldwide for breast cancer advocacy, including awareness and education; screening and diagnoses; support services; access to treatment; and scientific research.

Another significant advocacy of the Foundation is domestic violence, which it has actively engaged in since 2004. It launched the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program, which creates awareness and education and provides direct services and treatment for victims of domestic violence, and even partnered with Oscar nominated actress and producer Salma Hayek to launch it. In its first two years alone, the Foundation had granted more than $7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations focused on domestic violence. The program also expanded to add a Mexican version of Speak Out.

Moreover, the Foundation also supports disaster relief. Since 2001, it has donated over $17.5 million for women and their families affected by catastrophes. It was able to raise $7 million through the Avon Heart of America Fund, which supported families, especially children, of those who perished during the September 11 attacks.

Post Author: guest

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 at 11:50 am and is filed under Philanthropy News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.