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DALLAS, March 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- UNICEF USA has recognized Kimberly-Clark with the 2018 Children First Award for its ongoing efforts to raise awareness and funding for the global aid organization, and its collaboration with UNICEF on innovative projects to improve children's health and wellbeing.

"We are incredibly proud of our work with UNICEF and are honored by this award," said Jenny Lewis, vice president, Kimberly-Clark Foundation. "Kimberly-Clark's social impact programs aspire to have a positive impact on communities where we live and work. UNICEF is a natural partner to provide the world's most vulnerable children with the support and services that protect them in times of crisis and enable them to thrive."

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries to save and improve children's lives, providing health care and immunizations, education, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, emergency relief and more. Since 2000, Kimberly-Clark has contributed nearly $10 million in product and cash donations to UNICEF in 15 global markets.

In 2017, Kimberly-Clark supported UNICEF on emergency response efforts following extreme weather events, providing safe drinking water and health services to communities devastated by flooding in Peru and mudslides in Columbia. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the company donated more than 500,000 diapers and baby wipes and more than 100,000 feminine care pads to UNICEF's relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

In addition to contributing to emergency relief efforts, Kimberly-Clark works closely with UNICEF on ongoing initiatives to improve access to clean water, basic toilets and good hygiene practices, which are essential for the survival and development of children.

Through its Toilets Change Lives program, Kimberly-Clark is teaming with UNICEF to improve sanitation for communities in need. First launched in the UK in 2014 under Kimberly-Clark's Andrex brand, a portion of product sales go to supporting UNICEF's efforts to empower communities in Angola to build their own clean, safe toilets. Since its inception, the program has given over 240,000 Angolans access to basic sanitation facilities.

In South Africa, Kimberly-Clark is working with UNICEF to improve access to clean water and safe sanitation in over 290 schools in the eastern province of Mpumalanga.  Funding from Kimberly-Clark has helped UNICEF map sanitation facilities in 393 schools and train school personnel and educators in effective water, sanitation and hygiene practices. The partnership will directly help keep over 38,000 children safe from dirty water and disease with hygiene promotion in schools. Overall, the money raised will help UNICEF to reach more than one million children and 35,000 teachers in South Africa.

"This initiative is another step towards achieving Kimberly-Clark's Sustainability 2022 goal to improve the wellbeing of 25 million people in need," added Lewis. "The challenges are great, and we look forward to building on our partnership with UNICEF to make a difference."

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Viva and WypAll, hold the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build stronger communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's 146-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation