Since 1996, The Mary Kay FoundationSM has awarded $37 million to shelters and domestic violence prevention programs in all 50 states and $22 million to cancer researchers and related causes throughout the U.S. In Canada, The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation also addresses domestic violence and cancers affecting women. More than $300,000 has been awarded to women's shelters and community outreach programs across Canada, while more than 100,000 women fighting cancer have benefited from the Foundation's work with Look Good Feel Better®.
The Asia-Pacific region takes to heart its support for various women's issues, education for girls and efforts to end domestic violence. From donating funds to supporting computer literacy among underprivileged girls in India to building libraries for children in Korea, to funding education for impoverished girls in China, to partnering with the United Nations Development Programme and the China Women's Development Foundation to promote female entrepreneurship in China, the Mary Kay subsidiaries in the region have made significant contributions in making a difference for women and children.
Europe's charitable focus also remains steadfast on women and children. Efforts include Mary Kay Ukraine's commitment to breast cancer awareness and care and Mary Kay Spain's work with an anti-trafficking organization. Our European region's focus on children's issues includes Mary Kay Germany's support of children with disabilities, Mary Kay Kazakhstan's contributions to help with surgeries for children with limited auditory abilities and Mary Kay Russia's donations to support free operations for children with facial injuries. And this is only a small sample of the extraordinary caring shown in Mary Kay markets throughout Europe.
Latin America dedicates its time and resources to helping end domestic violence. Funds have been donated to provide refuge for children. Free psychological, medical and legal support is given to help women and children suffering from domestic violence. Mary Kay Mexico even co-sponsored an international education seminar for shelters and a campaign to create awareness about violence against women, including a hotline. Mary Kay continues to give back in Latin America to help ensure a better world for women and children.
