Johnson & Johnson Announces $1.75 Million Donation to Save the Children to Support Syrian Humanitarian Refugee Crisis

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Nov 17, 2015, 04:30 ET

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced an expanded partnership with Save the Children to support children impacted by the Syrian refugee crisis and strengthen long-term resiliency in their communities. The $1.75 million commitment was announced in advance of Save the Children's third annual Illumination Gala in New York City.

"The distressing images of families caught in the global refugee crisis highlight the importance of our ongoing commitment to Save the Children," said Alex Gorsky, Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson. "We believe the mission of our Company to help people everywhere live longer, healthier and happier lives must begin with families in need, so we are proud to partner in this effort."

Funding from Johnson & Johnson will be used to address immediate humanitarian needs, including access to food and clean water, safe shelter, hygiene resources and winter clothing. The funding will also support the sustainable long-term recovery of impacted communities. Central to this are resilience-building activities, which include educational programing, mental health support and community-building initiatives for the displaced families.

Joaquin Duato, Worldwide Chairman, Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson and member of the Save the Children Board of Trustees, who will speak at the Illumination Gala, said, "At Johnson & Johnson, we believe companies should stand together with their communities in times of greatest need. We are fortunate to have strong partners like Save the Children to respond to the immediate challenges in Syria as well as creating a sustainable and brighter future for those touched by this crisis."

According to the United Nations, over 12 million people are in need of humanitarian support inside Syria, including 5.6 million children. Additionally, more than 4 million people, mostly women and children, have fled the often unsafe refugee camp environments to find asylum in Europe and face dangers such as drowning or violence on their journey. Children are especially vulnerable in the camps and along the transit routes, often arriving alone, leaving them at risk of trafficking, abuse and exploitation.

"We are now seeing the greatest wave of refugees migrating across Europe since World War II - many of them young children," said Carolyn Miles, President and CEO of Save the Children. "With the support of generous partners like Johnson & Johnson, our response teams in Greece, Italy, Serbia and Germany have been able to provide urgently needed supplies and shelter for parents seeking a better life for their families. Johnson & Johnson's $1.75 million donation will provide for the immediate needs of thousands of children on the run, as well as recovery programs that can help them find hope again."

Today's commitment will expand on the previous investments from the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies in Europe and the Middle East, as well as the Johnson & Johnson Corporate Citizenship Trust. Over the last several years Johnson & Johnson has been involved in multiple health interventions in supporting the plight of Syrian refugees. This work has included training pediatricians caring for refugees; donations of blankets, hygiene products and trauma equipment; as well as activating employee volunteers.

Last year, Johnson & Johnson announced a $10 million, multi-year commitment to support Save the Children's core mission, program support to improve newborn survival, local activation and gift-in-kind services. In addition, Johnson & Johnson is the presenting sponsor of tonight's Save the Children Illumination Gala and continues to support Save the Children in non-monetary ways, including advocacy and thought leadership, media awareness building, and employee engagement.

About Johnson & Johnson
Caring for the world one person at a time inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science - bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our approximately 128,000 employees at more than 265 Johnson & Johnson operating companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
At Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs of our time in infectious diseases and vaccines, oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop innovative products, services and health care solutions to help people throughout the world.

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson