The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation joins Harvard University in donating over 1,000 new wool blankets to the victims of the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in Japan on 11 March 2011. The arrival of the blankets was announced by the Director of Health and Welfare in Ibaraki Prefectural Government at a site where they are being distributed to families in need. The blankets were transported compliments of FedEx from the manufacturer in the US to Tokyo.
Dr. S. Allen Counter, Director of the Harvard Foundation and Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, said:
From the moment we learned of the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the students and faculty of the Harvard Foundation wished to assist the survivors in some meaningful way. I immediately turned to the Smith family, who are known for their compassion and generosity toward victims of natural disasters. In 2010, the Smith Family Foundation provided over 100 tents to house victims of the tragic earthquake in Haiti. We are thankful to the Smith family for their act of heartfelt kindness and generosity toward our friends in Japan. Some years ago, I worked on a biomedical project in an earthquake devastated area in the Andes Mountains, and I learned from this experience that one of the first relief items requested by the survivors, especially children, was a blanket to keep warm.
The blankets were transported to the earthquake/tsunami-affected areas in Ibaraki Prefectural Autonomy Japan by Harvard associate Hiromi Ikezawa and Japanese officials, who distributed them to families in need.
David L. Cunningham, Jr., president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific, said:
We are privileged to be able to use our logistical expertise to support the delivery of these wool blankets. We hope that through this small act, we are able to bring some relief to these victims.
In support of this initiative, the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation donated funds to the Harvard Foundation to purchase the blankets on behalf of their children, Trey, Jaden, and Willow, “to enable the students and faculty of the Harvard Foundation to purchase needed relief items for survivors of the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan.”
The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation joins Harvard University in donating over 1,000 new wool blankets to the victims of the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in Japan on 11 March 2011. The arrival of the blankets was announced by the Director of Health and Welfare in Ibaraki Prefectural Government at a site where they are being distributed to families in need. The blankets were transported compliments of FedEx from the manufacturer in the US to Tokyo. Read more
United Continental Holdings, Inc. announced that customers and employees donated more than USD2.5 million to the American Red Cross efforts to aid those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on 11 March 2011. In addition, Mileage Plus and OnePass members donated more than 63 million of their frequent flyer miles to charities through the airlines’ programmes.
Sonya Jackson, president of the United Airlines Foundation, said:
We are pleased to join our customers and employees in the outpouring of support. Through their exceptional generosity, we have surpassed USD2.5 million in cash donations and 63 million frequent flyer mile donations in just one month since this tragedy struck Japan.
More than 23,000 customers and employees of United and Continental made financial contributions to relief efforts in Japan through the companies’ partnership with the American Red Cross. United Continental Holdings committed up to eight million miles as a one-time bonus to frequent flyers who contribute to American Red Cross efforts to aid those affected by the disaster. Through April 30, Mileage Plus and OnePass members who give a minimum of USD50 to the American Red Cross receive 250 bonus miles, and those who contribute USD100 or more are rewarded with 500 bonus miles.
With more than 1,000 employees throughout Japan, United and Continental jointly operate more than 180 flights each week to and from nine cities in Japan.
How to Support the American Red Cross and Earn Bonus Miles
Individuals who wish to support the disaster relief efforts should visit the American Red Cross website to make a cash donation: http://american.redcross.org/unitedairlines-pub.
To receive the mileage award, members of Mileage Plus should send an e-mail to japanmileagebonus@united.com including: an electronic receipt from the American Red Cross showing a donation of USD50 or more, the member's name and Mileage Plus number. To receive the mileage award, members of OnePass should send an email to onesolution@coair.com including: an electronic receipt from the American Red Cross showing a donation of USD50 or more, the member's name and OnePass number.
Customers May Also Donate Miles
Mileage Plus and OnePass members with accrued miles can donate their miles to a charity through their respective airline’s programme. Many international relief organizations send personnel and volunteers to assist in the affected region, and the donation of miles will help defray their expenses.
Through these programmes, Mileage Plus and OnePass members can donate a minimum of 1,000 miles to any of the designated groups involved in the relief effort.
To donate miles online, please visit united.com and continental.com.
United Continental Holdings, Inc. announced that customers and employees donated more than USD2.5 million to the American Red Cross efforts to aid those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on 11 March 2011. In addition, Mileage Plus and OnePass members donated more than 63 million of their frequent flyer miles to charities through the airlines’ programmes. Read more
The Coca-Cola Company announced today that it is establishing the Coca-Cola Japan Reconstruction Fund and raised its pledge to a total of 2.5 billion Yen (US$31 million) donations towards relief and rebuilding efforts for the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami over the next three years. This includes the 600 million Yen (US$7.3 million) in cash and product announced previously.
The commitment was made following a two-day visit to Tokyo by Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. Mr. Kent was accompanied on the trip by Company Directors Herbert A. Allen, a member of the Executive Committee, and James D. Robinson III, the Presiding Director.
Mr Kent said:
We were very keen to be here in Tokyo to understand clearly what on-the-ground support is needed for Japanese communities and our business. We have been deeply moved by what we have seen and heard, and impressed by the hard work and tenacity of those involved in the relief efforts. Given our nearly 60-year proud presence in Japan and our strong relationship with its people, we want to do everything we can to contribute to the rebuilding effort as we shift our focus from immediate relief efforts to reconstruction and infrastructure rebuilding in the coming weeks and months.
Obviously there are detailed assessments yet to be completed, but our vision for the Reconstruction Fund is mainly to help with the rebuilding of schools and other community facilities that support children impacted by this tragedy. This will be done in consultation with the appropriate authorities. We will also open the Fund to enable all of our system employees globally to make contributions and we will match those contributions over and above the 2.5 billion Yen that we have pledged.
During his visit, Mr. Kent met with Coca-Cola employees in Tokyo to express his steadfast support for them and the community at large.
He also met with Mr. Norio Sueyoshi, Chairman of the Coca-Cola Association of Japanese bottlers, and other bottling partners in Japan to gain first-hand insights into the needs for the community rebuilding efforts and to review business continuity plans. Mr. Kent passed on his deep appreciation for the extraordinary efforts and diligence on the part of the Japanese bottlers and their employees. Mr Kent said:
These people have been at the forefront of the system’s efforts to help with immediate relief, and have the much-needed beverages produced and on their way to the most needy regions. I congratulate them on the swift progress they have made.
Mr. Sueyoshi said:
Amidst these unprecedented circumstances, this support of The Coca-Cola Company is truly appreciated. I am particularly concerned about the effect on children who have been impacted. I am pleased that the Reconstruction Fund will assist with education and other facilities which contribute to the next generation.
The Coca-Cola Japan Reconstruction Fund builds upon the previous contribution and relief efforts made by Coca-Cola Japan and its 12 bottling partners. That contribution includes the distribution of more than 7 million bottles of needed beverages, such as water, tea and sports drinks, to national and local government authorities and other community groups. The system has also activated free dispensing of products from selected vending machines.
The Coca-Cola Company announced today that it is establishing the Coca-Cola Japan Reconstruction Fund and raised its pledge to a total of 2.5 billion Yen (US$31 million) donations towards relief and rebuilding efforts for the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami over the next three years. This includes the 600 million Yen (US$7.3 million) in cash and product announced previously. Read more
Roppongi Hills and MasterCard Worldwide announced the launch of the “MasterCard® Purchase with Purpose™” charity programme at “Roppongi Hills Christmas Market 2010”. The programme will be held over 30 days from 26 Nov to 25 Dec 2010, offering all MasterCard cardholders the opportunity to make a difference to the community.
MasterCard Purchase with Purpose is a programme enabling cardholders to get involved in the company’s philanthropic efforts as donations will be made to a cause every time they use their cards. MasterCard has spearheaded several other initiatives supporting the communities in Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. For more details, please visit www.mastercard.com/sea/purchasewithpurpose.
This year, MasterCard will launch Purchase with Purpose for the first time in Japan, at Roppongi Hills Christmas Market 2010. MasterCard cardholders can contribute to the community simply by making a payment with their MasterCard card, at participating merchants in Roppongi Hills during the Christmas Market fair. Part of the proceeds from their purchase will be donated through Mori Building to the Make-A-Wish of Japan Foundation, a volunteer organization supporting children with life-threatening illnesses to grant their wishes in Japan.
MasterCard’s corporate social responsibility platform (CSR) in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa is focused primarily on bettering the quality of life for women and children by providing them educational opportunities. MasterCard does this by supporting a broad range of women’s and children’s causes through scholarships, financial assistance, educational programmes and various sustainability programmes, helping provide them with the skills required to stand on their own feet and support themselves and their families. Apart from the educational aspects of MasterCard’s CSR programmes, consumer education is an important area of consideration for MasterCard given the significance of financial know-how in improving lives and the socioeconomic standing of families throughout the region.
Through this collaboration, visitors to this year’s Christmas Market at Roppongi Hills will be able to experience both the seasonal goodwill associated with a traditional Christmas market while helping to grant the wishes of children in need through MasterCard’s charity programme.
Roppongi Hills and MasterCard will continue to promote their CSR efforts, by supporting charitable organizations such as Make-A-Wish of Japan.
Roppongi Hills and MasterCard Worldwide announced the launch of the “MasterCard® Purchase with Purpose™” charity programme at “Roppongi Hills Christmas Market 2010”. The programme will be held over 30 days from 26 Nov to 25 Dec 2010, offering all MasterCard cardholders the opportunity to make a difference to the community. Read more
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