In 2001, K-C expanded the traditional definition of family to include child-headed households, a growing problem especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where many children were losing parents due to the rising HIV/AIDS epidemic. K-C committed $2.6 million over four years to help UNICEF come to the aid of children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS.

In 2005, K-C renewed its partnership with UNICEF and pledged an additional $2.6 million over 4 years, this time investing in UNICEF's child survival programs, sharing the organization's belief that no child should die from preventable causes. K-C funds have supported programs for children affected by HIV/AIDS in China and programs to improve community health facilities in India. Most recently through this pledge, Kimberly-Clark has focused its efforts on improving access to health for children in Brazil. The company has funded two programs, one for marginalized populations in the extremely rural areas of northern Brazil and a groundbreaking program in the country’s urban centers, the results of which UNICEF hopes to replicate around the world. Kimberly-Clark Brazil has also gotten behind these projects participating on a field visit to learn more about UNICEF's work in Brazil and contributing their expertise to the planning and execution of the urban project. Click here to learn more about K-C Brazil contribution to the partnership.

Throughout its partnership with UNICEF, K-C has also challenged the public to contribute to UNICEF's programs to save and improve the lives of children, through a series of challenge grant campaigns that have leveraged more than $11 million. In 2006 K-C was recognized for it's long-term and innovative partnership with UNICEF when the company was awarded the Corporate Citizenship Award in the category of International Community Service from the The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Civic Leadership Center.To learn more, visit www.unicefusa.org

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