Amway, its employees and distributors around the globe raised an additional $1.3 million for relief efforts in Japan, more than doubling the company's initial pledge of $1.2 million, and creating a total contribution to date of $2.5 million.Amway President Doug DeVos traveled to Japan personally to express the company's support at a meeting with employees and distributor leaders at Amway Japan's headquarters in Tokyo Wednesday. He also addressed Amway distributors in a webcast.
"I want to start by expressing on behalf of all of the Amway family around the world, our sympathies and our concerns for what you and all the people of Japan have gone through," DeVos said in the webcast. "The human element is our first and our foremost priority in the midst of all of this. We know that many of you have experienced loss and that many of you are fearful for the future. I want you to know your concerns are important to us. I can assure you that all of us around the world are thinking of you and praying for your strength and your comfort together through this time."
During his visit, Doug DeVos delivered a video message sent by his father and Amway co-founder Rich DeVos expressing his concern for the entire country of Japan, as well as victims of the earthquake and tsunami. While the company's employees are safe, some distributors have not yet been located.
Amway extended a pledge to match contributions globally until the end of March, up to an additional $100,000. Funds raised will support relief efforts by established organizations operating in the region. In addition, the company's long-term recovery efforts will include projects supported by the Amway One by One Campaign for Children.
Amway Japan President to visit Sendai
Amway Japan President John Parker said that standing by employees, distributors, suppliers and their families is paramount in a time of crisis. Parker will visit Sendai, one of the hardest-hit regions in Japan, to meet with distributors there at the end of the week.
The company operates eight plazas used as distribution centers in Japan. Currently, the plaza in Sendai has reopened to serve as an aid center to distribute free Amway personal care and cleaning products, Parker said.
Amway Japan
Launched in 1979, Amway Japan is one of the company's top markets, and employs nearly 400 people to support its affiliate operations, including business administration, sales support and distribution.
Amway One by One Campaign for Children
The Amway One by One Campaign for Children rallies the resources of Amway distributors and employees around the world to make a difference in the lives of children in every market where the company conducts business. Since Amway One by One launched in 2003, it has provided hope and opportunity to 8 million children and donated more than $141 million to children's causes worldwide. The number of employee and distributor volunteer hours logged since 2003 now totals 2.3 million, nearly doubling from a cumulative total of 1.3 million hours reported in 2009. www.amwayonebyone.com
