Beiersdorf Inc. Celebrates Anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters Partnership with Extended Awareness and Fundraising Program to Support Mentoring

WILTON, Conn., Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Beiersdorf Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Beiersdorf AG, a leading global skincare company based in Hamburg, Germany, announced today a consumer awareness and fundraising initiative to support National Mentoring Month. Currently, Beiersdorf has an employee-led, work-based mentoring program focused on supporting youth in the local community. In recognition of National Mentoring Month, the company in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters has created a three month consumer awareness and fundraising initiative that will raise $100,000 to make a big difference for the Big Brothers Big Sisters network. 

Beiersdorf selected today, National Social Media Mentoring Day (January 10, 2013), to unveil its Big Brothers Big Sisters app on Facebook.  Via the app, shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase NIVEA, NIVEA Men, Eucerin and Aquaphor products from online retail partners.  For every ten dollars spent, Beiersdorf will donate one dollar to Big Brothers Big Sisters' mentoring programs. As a thank you to consumers for engaging with the app, Beiersdorf will offer consumers a sample of their choice of a NIVEA, NIVEA Men, Eucerin or Aquaphor product.

In addition to online fundraising, which will continue through March 2013, Beiersdorf will spread the word on how consumers can do their share to mentor our youth.  During the month of February, national retail partners such as Walmart, Walgreens, Kroger and numerous others are lending their support for the cause with in-store "Skincare that really cares" displays, which will help to further spread the word about mentoring.  Beiersdorf wants everyone to be the change a child needs, as 34,000 "Littles" are still waiting for their "Bigs." 

"Beiersdorf prides itself on being a skincare company that truly cares," said Bill Graham, President, Beiersdorf North America. "Everyone who meets and mentors the students from Big Brothers Big Sisters experiences a true sense of fulfillment. We are thrilled to continue our work with such an impactful organization to help raise funds and awareness for their local and national mentoring efforts." 

The Wilton, Connecticut-based company has just marked its first anniversary working with Big Brothers Big Sisters on a work-based mentoring program, "Beyond School Walls," a jointly-created program adapted from the organization's core School-Based Mentoring programs.  For the past year, Beyond School Walls students have come to the Beiersdorf office after school to meet with their mentors, spend time with one another, participate in activities and learn.

"It has been a pleasure to work with Beiersdorf over the past year, and we're looking forward to the growth and continuation of this exciting partnership," said Charles Pierson, CEO and American President, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. "Beiersdorf's support will help us increase our capacity to serve more children facing adversity."  

For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has made an impact on children in need, helping them overcome adversity and beat the odds. Studies have shown that children enrolled in the program maintained or showed improvement in educational success, socio-emotional confidence and making healthy choices. Independent research finds youth enrolled in the program are:

• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school

About Beiersdorf AG

Beiersdorf AG is a leading manufacturer of skin and beauty care products with over 125 years of experience in research and development, and a strong global presence. The company produces leading international brands such as NIVEA, NIVEA Men, Eucerin, Aquaphor, la prairie, Juvena, Labello, 8x4, Futuro, Florena, Hansaplast/Elastoplast and Tesa. For more information, visit www.beiersdorfusa.com.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation's largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes, such as, educational success; avoidance of risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships. Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children ("Littles") with screened volunteer mentors ("Bigs") and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches throughout their course. The first-ever Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcome Summary, released in 2012, substantiates that its mentoring programs have proven, positive academic, socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes for youth, areas linked to high school graduation, avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or job readiness.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity, often those of single or low-income households or families where a parent is incarcerated or serving in the military, with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The mission has been the cornerstone of the organization's 100-year history. With about 350 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves nearly 630,000 children, volunteers and families. The organization is engaged in a nationwide search to reunite with alumni mentors, mentees, donors, and families. The organization is engaged in a nationwide search to reunite with alumni mentors, mentees, donors, and family, staff and board members. Learn more at bigbrothersbigsisters.org.

SOURCE Beiersdorf Inc.