Mattel sends aid money to China, Myanmar
From Playthings -- Kids Today, 5/28/2008 2:33:00 PM
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.—Mattel says it plans to provide more than $125,000 in immediate and long-term disaster relief to support victims of the earthquake in Sichuan province of China and the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in southwest Myanmar. Funds will go to the American Red Cross and Save the Children.
“We share the concern of the global community for the millions of children and families who have been impacted by the recent natural disasters around the world,” said Kevin Farr, chief financial officer and chairman of the Mattel Children’s Foundation. “As a responsible corporate citizen, we look to make a meaningful difference with children in need around the world and, in times of disaster, partner with qualified charitable organizations to address the urgent and long-term needs of children affected by those situations.”
Of the $125,000, Mattel is donating $75,000 to Save the Children, the toymaker’s multi-year “Signature Partner,” to address the needs of children in China and Myanmar. The organization is one of the few aid groups with ongoing operations in both countries, according to Mattel. It is said to have a staff of more than 500 in Myanmar.
$50,000 of Mattel’s donation will go to the relief efforts of the American Red Cross in China and Myanmar, as well as in the U.S. A small portion of the funding to the American Red Cross will support domestic tornado relief efforts, which includes providing food, temporary shelter and counseling to individuals and families affected by the recent storms throughout the South and Midwest.
Through its Matching Gift Disaster Relief Program, Mattel will match the disaster-related donations made by its employees globally dollar for dollar.
Mattel says its employees in China and Hong Kong have raised funds for the China Red Cross and donated much-needed supplies, clothing and blood to support the earthquake victims in that country. Mattel employees in Thailand have also extended support, particularly orphan assistance, to the children impacted by the cyclone in Myanmar, the company said.
