The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation pledges to donate $100,000 to domestic violence shelters across Canada for record sixth year in a row

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - Because it's 2016 we shouldn't need programs and shelters that support women and children affected by domestic violence, but the sad reality is that we do – now more than ever.

To assist them in their healing journey, the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation's annual shelter grant giving program begins on August 16^th and is once again offering a $10,000 grant to a shelter in each province/territory throughout Canada.

"With all the education and advocacy around domestic violence, you would think there would be less of a need for these services and programs in 2016. Sadly, one in three Canadian women find themselves victims of domestic violence which is why, thanks to the generous contributions to the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation in 2015 by the Mary Kay independent sales force, their customers and consumers, the Foundation is continuing its Shelter Grant program," said Dawn Gerry, Director of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation and National Director of Marketing for Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. "Shelters play a vital role in their healing journeys, as well as providing a safe place to stay, educational programs and support as they venture out to start their lives anew."

Since 2004, The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation has supported the prevention and elimination of domestic violence, an epidemic that touches one in every three Canadian women in her lifetime. Through the Foundation's annual shelter grant program, over $1 million has been granted to domestic violence organizations. Each year, grants are awarded to at least one domestic violence shelter in every province or territory in Canada

For full details, and a link to the 2016 Shelter Grant Application, visit marykay.ca.

About The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation
The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation was established in Canada in 2001, and its mission is two-fold: to support women living with cancer through the Look Good…Feel Better^® program and to help end violence against women by providing grants to women's shelters and community outreach programs. Since then, it has awarded $1,241,100 to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence and over $735,000 to help women going through cancer treatment throughout Canada. From every dollar raised, 96 cents goes to these two important causes. To learn more about The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, visit www.marykay.ca.

About Mary Kay
Irresistible products. Positive community impact. Rewarding opportunity. For more than 50 years, Mary Kay has offered it all. With 3 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants and $3.5 billion in global annual wholesale sales, Mary Kay is a top beauty brand and direct seller in more than 35 markets around the world. Discover what you love by connecting with a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant in your area at marykay.ca.

SOURCE Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd.

The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, Dawn Gerry, [phone] ext. 2643 or [email protected]