The Avon Foundation for Women is partnering with the National Domestic Violence Hotline to celebrate #GivingTuesday on Dec. 2, 2014. Following the shopping extravaganzas of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday celebrates generosity with a global day of giving back. The Avon Foundation is taking part to raise $1 million in support of domestic violence organizations.
As its name suggests, the Avon Foundation for Women focuses on critical issues affecting women, particularly breast cancer and domestic violence. The Avon Foundation has donated nearly $38 million to domestic violence programs and services in the U.S.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline’s highly trained advocates provide support, crisis intervention information and referral services in over 170 languages. A recent census funded by the Avon Foundation found that, on average, hotlines nationwide receive more than 20,000 calls per day. Nearly 10,000 of those requests for services go unmet due to a lack of resources.
“I am saddened to learn that across the world, one in three women will experience domestic violence, and she could be your sister, daughter, friend or neighbor,” tennis star Maria Sharapova, a supporter of the Avon Foundation, shared in a statement. “One simple and powerful way to give back on this holiday season is by donating to The National Domestic Violence Hotline.”
The Avon Foundation partnered with the Hotline for a 2013 #GivingTuesday campaign that generated more than $83,000 in contributions, as well as a $200,000 Avon Foundation grant. The donations enabled the Hotline to respond to over 23,000 calls, chats and text messages for help. This year the Avon Foundation has committed a matching gift of $500,000 to help raise $1 million for the Hotline.