DALLAS, TX (Jan. 21, 2010) - As relief efforts continue following the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) today announced a global employee donation matching program. Through the Kimberly-Clark Employee Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, the company's worldwide employees can direct their contributions to the American Red Cross to support its Haitian relief efforts. Kimberly-Clark will then match all employee donations worldwide dollar-for-dollar up to $300,000.
The employee matching program is just the latest step Kimberly-Clark has taken in its disaster relief efforts for the people of Haiti. Other efforts have included partnering with the American Red Cross and MedShare (www.medshare.org) and mobilizing product donations.
"Like many others around the world, we are committed to helping those who are suffering after the devastation of the recent earthquakes," said Tom Falk, chairman and CEO of Kimberly-Clark. "It is our hope that Kimberly-Clark's contributions, combined with the humanitarian efforts of the world's aid organizations, will help the people affected by this tragedy."
In addition to the employee matching program, Kimberly-Clark's other Haiti disaster relief efforts have included:
- Being a leading corporate partner of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). A portion of Kimberly-Clark's gift is designated for the American Red Cross' International Disaster Fund. So far, the American Red Cross has contributed $10 million to relief efforts in Haiti as well as set up a field hospital and three basic health care emergency response units to provide medical care. Kimberly-Clark is proud to stand beside the Red Cross as it helps those affected by the earthquake.
- Working closely with our nonprofit partner, MedShare (www.medshare.org), to sponsor a shipment of first aid supplies, orthopedics, steel instruments and drug administrative supplies. The supplies have been delivered to a 100-bed hospital on the Haitian-Dominican Republic border and are being used to treat more than 1,800 earthquake victims.
- Assembling a significant donation of much-needed Kimberly-Clark health care products, diapers, feminine care and tissue products from our local operations in the Dominican Republic. Additional product is being assembled and will be shipped as soon as the logistics and infrastructure improve.
Kimberly-Clark will continue to monitor ongoing relief efforts through our Dominican Republic operations and nonprofit partners and, where possible, continue to assist our neighbors and communities rebuild in the aftermath of this disaster.
About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. Every day, 1.3 billion people - nearly a quarter of the world's population - trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 138-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com.