Kimberly-Clark announces continued support of innovative and lifesaving programs in Brazil
New York (September 15, 2009) — Kimberly–Clark recently announced new funding in the amount of $640,000 in support of two UNICEF programs to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in Brazil. This new funding builds on the nearly $1 million already contributed by the company over the past two years. The renewed support is extremely valuable because it will allow this important program to continue building on its success for possible replication throughout Brazil and globally, and because funding in these challenging economic times is increasingly scarce.
A long-term commitment to UNICEF's work
"I commend Kimberly–Clark for their long–term commitment to UNICEF's work. They recognized that children already vulnerable due to poverty are the least able to weather a downturn in the economy," said Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "Through their renewed support of UNICEF programs in Brazil, Kimberly–Clark is helping to provide a better future for countless children there."
The new grant will help provide continued support of two of Brazil's marginalized communities—the Quilombolas and Indigenous populations—through a program to provide access to basic healthcare services for children and their families.
The grant will also help launch the very important Phase II of UNICEF Brazil's innovative Urban Platform Program. This project will benefit an estimated 180,000 children and adolescents through an integrated, long-term approach that aims to bring all sectors of society together to solve the systemic problems facing children in impoverished areas of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo. Communities participate in a certification process whereby if they achieve a series of goals designed to improve the lives of children, they will be presented with a UNICEF International Certificate.
Hands-on participation
UNICEF Brazil
Urban Platform Program participants and supporters join in celebrating the official launch of the program.
In addition to providing the Urban Platform Program's seed funding, the Kimberly–Clark Office in Brazil has participated directly in the program from the beginning. Jefferson Correia, director of public relations for Kimberly-Clark Brazil, has attended multiple program planning sessions, arranged sessions between Kimberly–Clark Brazil employees and adolescents participating in the program to provide them with career and life advice, and even helped organize a fundraising breakfast inviting key suppliers, clients and partners to learn more about the Urban Platform Program and encouraging them to join the movement.
Click here to read more about Jefferson's experience of engaging with UNICEF with the goal of improving children's lives in his own backyard.
Thanks to the support of partners like Kimberly–Clark, the Urban Platform Program is expanding nationwide. On July 7th and 8th, UNICEF Brazil held a launch event to officially kick-off the first phase of the program. In attendance were UNICEF officials, community members participating in the project and local partners, the mayors of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, UNICEF celebrity ambassadors and private companies, including several employees of Kimberly–Clark Brazil.
Learn more about Kimberly–Clark's support of UNICEF.
