Avon Commits $1 Million to Support Relief Efforts in Haiti

NEW YORK, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE: AVP) today announced that it has committed $1 million to support relief efforts in Haiti in response to the devastating earthquake in that country.  The company said that the money will be donated through the Avon Foundation for Women, and will be distributed to the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders, two organizations that are deeply involved in efforts to aid victims of the January 12 earthquake.

 The company said that the Foundation plans to distribute the $1 million as follows:

• $500,000 to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, the humanitarian organization that provides relief to victims of disasters; the agency is working closely with Haitian Red Cross to assist those affected by this disaster.
• $500,000 to Doctors Without Borders, the international medical humanitarian organization that has already assisted more than 1,000 people on the ground in Haiti and has committed to continuing to provide critically-needed medical services.

 Andrea Jung, Avon’s chairman and chief executive officer, said: “We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused to our neighbors in Haiti by the recent earthquake. Disaster relief has long been a critical component of Avon’s philanthropy.  I believe it is our responsibility as a global corporate citizen to lend our support to the relief efforts aiding the people of Haiti.”

 In addition, the company said that its North America business is planning to launch other  initiatives to further assist the victims of the earthquake, including donations from product sales.

 Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with over $10 billion in annual revenue. As the world’s largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through approximately 6 million independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon’s product line includes beauty products, as well as fashion and home products, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and Mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com.