New Philanthropic Focus Includes Global Grantmaking and Signature Partnerships
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mattel, Inc.
(NYSE: MAT) today announced the relaunch of its non-profit philanthropic arm,
the Mattel Children's Foundation. Committed to making a difference in the
global community by effectively serving children in need, the Mattel
Children's Foundation expects to donate more than $5 million in 2005 to
address the following priorities: education and learning; health and
wellbeing; girls' empowerment; and bringing joy to children.
Mattel, Inc. gives more than 2 percent of its pre-tax profits to
charitable activities, including the Mattel Children's Foundation and toy
donation programs.
After completing a multi-year, $25 million commitment to the Mattel
Children's Hospital at UCLA in 2004, the Foundation is now taking a new
leadership role in the world of corporate philanthropy by broadening its scope
and extending its giving internationally.
"Mattel's philanthropy is about putting smiles on the faces of children,"
said Robert A. Eckert, chairman and chief executive officer of Mattel. "We're
especially proud of being able to help children in need through financial
support of community organizations around the world, product donations and
programs that support employees being involved in their local communities."
"The recent tsunami tragedy is a reminder of just how vulnerable children
are -- as thousands of children in Southeast Asia are now orphaned and at
risk," said Kevin Farr, chairman of the Mattel Children's Foundation and chief
financial officer of Mattel. "Children dealing with extreme circumstances
need our help and care."
Mattel, Inc. made a $250,000 donation to Save the Children for tsunami
relief efforts. Mattel employees around the world, through the company's
matching gifts programs, have donated an additional $200,000 to relief
efforts. Mattel, Inc. also is donating 100,000 toys for children who have
been orphaned or displaced by this tragedy.
The Mattel Children's Foundation new programs include the following key
components:
* Partnerships with organizations that will assist the Foundation in
directly supporting the needs of children globally. These are:
Special Olympics, Save the Children, the National Association of
Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and the
Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF). More information about
each partnership will be announced throughout the year. The
Foundation is continuing support of the Mattel Children's Hospital at
UCLA with a commitment of $2 million over four years for an endowed
chair of pediatrics.
* Online grant application for U.S.-based public charities primarily
serving children in need to support programs or general operating
needs based on the priorities of the Foundation. Guidelines,
eligibility quiz and application are available at http://www.Mattel.com.
* Global grantmaking through an international application process.
Grants of $25,000 each will be made available to local charities
directly serving children in need in countries where Mattel has
operations. International applications will be available by
invitation only.
"The Mattel Children's Foundation is committed to its vision of 'making a
meaningful difference, one child at a time,'" Farr said. "We can effectively
do this through our new global programs that make the Foundation more
accessible, while ensuring our funds reach children in need. We look forward
to working with our partners, peers and other community organizations who
share our vision."
The Foundation is continuing its employee programs that include matching
gifts, volunteer grants and global scholarships.
About the Mattel Children's Foundation
The Mattel Children's Foundation was established in 1978. With a vision
of "making a meaningful difference, one child at a time," the Foundation
provides cash grants through domestic and international grantmaking programs,
as well as international scholarships to children of employees, matching gifts
and volunteer grants for Mattel employees. In addition, the Foundation
continues its tradition of partnering with exemplary nonprofit partners. In
2005, Mattel will partner with Special Olympics, Save the Children, the Mattel
Children's Hospital at UCLA, the National Association of Children's Hospitals
and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation
(CAAF). The Mattel Children's Foundation is funded exclusively by cash
donations from Mattel, Inc.
SOURCE Mattel, Inc.
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.Mattel.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/540363.html
CONTACT:
Jules Andres, Corporate Communications of
Mattel, Inc., +1-310-252-3529, Jules.Andres@mattel.com
|
