Avon Canada celebrates community & awards Paint it Pink funds

MONTREAL , Nov. 9 /CNW Telbec/ - Avon Canada recently hosted an evening of giving to celebrate the importance of community partnerships. The event was the first of many to announce and recognize the charitable funding recipients of Avon's Paint it Pink breast cancer awareness campaign.

Paint it Pink, a nationwide initiative, invited the general public to send a message of hope and share expressions of pink via photos uploaded to Avon's Paint it Pink website www.paintitpinkcanada.com. Once there, participants were given the opportunity to nominate a breast cancer charity of their choice to be considered for funding.

The event highlighting this unique initiative was held on Friday, November 6th at Montreal's Westin Hotel. Over 100 guests were in attendance, including three of the recipients of Avon's Paint it Pink funds: Jill Boileau , Co-founder of The West Island Cancer Wellness Centre; Doreen Edwards , Founder of VOBOC; and André Hupé, President of ABO-VAS. Avon Canada's Director of Communications and Events, Roberta Lacey was also on hand to award the donations of $20,000 , $10,000 and $10,000 respectively.

The cross section of charities was nominated and chosen based on the fundamental role that each play within the community: The West Island Cancer Wellness Centre provides cancer education, support programs and services for mind, body and spirit; VOBOC provides tools, resources and free diversions to adolescent and young adult oncology patients, as well as grants special requests to those in palliative care; ABO-VAS offers accompaniment and transportation solutions for West-Island residents requiring recurrent hospital treatments in Montreal .

"This is a proud moment," cited Lacey after awarding the checks for the evening. "It's amazing how many lives each and every one of us can touch when we reach out to the community and mobilize our efforts. This Paint it Pink event and the ones to follow are a powerful demonstration of how small efforts can lead to big rewards. I hope that we'll all continue to Paint it Pink and continue to raise awareness until we find a cure."

The organizations were also joined by members of Avon Canada's corporate team and Leadership Representatives, who supported and contributed to the success of the Paint it Pink campaign. Avon Canada plans to continue to announce more recipients of its Paint it Pink initiative in the coming months, distributing $500,000 in funds across Canada .

Avon Breast Cancer Crusade

To date, Avon Canada has raised and donated over $16 million dollars to breast cancer, making Avon the largest corporate contributor to breast cancer research in the country. Internationally, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has raised and awarded over $600 million in 50 countries for awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and scientific research.

About Avon

Avon is the world's largest direct seller, marketing to women in more than 100 countries through 5.5 million independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon's product line includes beauty products, fashion jewelry and apparel, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and Mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avon.ca.

For further information: Elizabeth Munro, Avon Canada, Public Relations & Communications, [phone], [email protected]; Jill Boileau, WICWC Co-Founder, Director of Development, [phone] x16, [email protected]; Doreen Edward, VOBOC President & Founder, [phone], [email protected]; Carol-Ann Megas, ABO-VAS, [phone], [email protected]