Amway to Donate $1.2 million to Support Tohoku Pacific Earthquake Victims and Recovery Efforts

ADA, Mich., March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Amway Japan President John Parker announced that Amway Japan Limited and parent company Amway will provide 100 million yen, or approximately $1.2 million, in cash and product donations to support relief efforts in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110314/DE64745LOGO-a )

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110314/DE64745LOGO-b )

The corporation, its distributors and employees will provide the support in partnership with local NPOs and relief agencies in the region, especially those which focus on children, in alignment with the company's Amway One by One Campaign for Children.

"We express our profound sympathies to all victims of this indescribable disaster, and will continue to provide additional assistance through disaster relief efforts as we learn the status and needs of the affected areas," said Parker. "Our heartfelt prayers go out to our families, friends and neighbors who have been impacted by this tragedy. We are grateful for the well wishes of people around the world, and appreciate their generous offers of help and encouragement to ensure the country's recovery and rebuilding efforts."

Amway has confirmed employees, expatriates and business visitors are safe, and continues to work to ascertain the status of distributors and their families in Japan.

"Wherever we do business, Amway affirms our commitment to respond to events that have such a profound impact on daily lives," said Amway Executive Vice President Jim Payne. "Amway has activated its global network for Japan. We are providing a mechanism for our employees and distributors to engage and provide help, and will continue to do so as the effort continues."

Amway is matching donations from its global employees and distributors up to $250,000, from now until Monday, March 21, 2011. Effective March 15, Amway North America is accepting online donations for the Red Cross at www.amway.com. Several Amway affiliates around the world are working to establish similar opportunities for employees, distributors or customers to donate money to help the people of Japan begin to recover and rebuild.

Amway Japan

Launched in 1979, Amway Japan is one of the company's top markets, and employs nearly 400 people to support its affiliate operations, including business administration, sales support and distribution.

Amway One by One Campaign for Children

The Amway One by One Campaign for Children rallies the resources of Amway distributors and employees around the world to make a difference in the lives of children in every market where the company conducts business. Since Amway One by One launched in 2003, it has provided hope and opportunity to 8 million children and donated more than $141 million to children's causes worldwide. The number of employee and distributor volunteer hours logged since 2003 now totals 2.3 million, nearly doubling from a cumulative total of 1.3 million hours reported in 2009. www.amwayonebyone.com

About Amway

Amway (amway.com) is one of the world's largest direct selling businesses with global sales of $9.2 billion. Founded in 1959 and based in Ada, Michigan, USA, Amway offers consumer products and business opportunities in more than 80 countries and territories worldwide. Amway's top-selling brands are NUTRILITE^® vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, ARTISTRY^® skincare and colour cosmetics, and eSpring water treatment systems. The company provides product development, manufacturing and logistics services through its Access Business Group and Alticor Corporate Enterprises divisions. For company news, visit globalnews.amway.com.

SOURCE Amway