By Elizabeth Willoughby on
Actress Reese Witherspoon is Avon’s first ever Global Ambassador, serving as the Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation and focusing on raising awareness about breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency relief initiatives.
“We are thrilled to welcome Reese as our Global Ambassador and believe she will give a strong voice to the company’s commitment to empowering women,” says CEO Andrea Jung. “Reese is a perfect fit. She clearly embodies the drive, the commitment and entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of Avon.”
The Avon Foundation is a public charity founded in 1955 whose mission is simply “to improve the lives of women and their families.” Fundraising programs for breast cancer include the US Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series, the global Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer series and Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which support access to treatment for the medically underserved in 50 countries through screening and diagnosis, support services, education and scientific research.
Avon’s Need for Speed Relay Against Domestic Violence, and Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence programs focus on awareness, education and prevention programs. Among their initiatives was an award-winning Mexican public service announcement entitled “Golpe” (“Punch”). It showed a beautiful woman with a black eye and headline “At Avon, we don’t want you to cover it up.”
The Avon Foundation also supports emergency and disaster relief through other special events. Last year, Avon’s annual awards celebration alone raised $2 million, and total funds raised by Avon’s philanthropy had reached $500 million.
“I am very excited to be partnering with Avon. It is a company that is known the world over as a crusader for women’s causes,” said Ms. Witherspoon. “I am truly impressed by how Avon has been able to effect real change in communities. I am proud to be joining in the great philanthropic work that is already underway.”
Copyright © 2007 Look to the Stars
