Nike Inc. said it will donate $1 million to the recovery efforts in
Japan, while its Nike Japan subsidiary will donate $250,000 worth of
footwear and apparel for victims. In a statement, Nike said it plans to
partner with San Francisco-based nonprofit, Architecture for Humanity,
and other organizations to rebuild communities, especially in devastated
areas. Nike said the apparel and footwear will be distributed through Japan's
defense department.
Other cash recipients will be decided later, Mary M. Remuzzi, director of Nike global corporate communications, told the Oregonian.
“We've been in Japan for a long time,” Remuzzi said. “It's a big community for us. We have a long-time commitment there and this is a further commitment to that end.”
Nike has about 26 contract factories in Japan, mainly producing products for consumption in that country. The company employs hundreds in Japan.
Last Thursday on Nike's conference call, Nike president and chief executive officer Mark Parker, spoke about Japan at the start:
“Before we get into today's results, I think it's important to acknowledge the incredible challenges going on in Japan. Like many of you, I've good friends there and Nike has many teammates who are dealing with this devastating event.
“And if you knew nothing about the Japanese people before last week, they've certainly shown what the term grace under pressure really means. Thankfully, all of our employees are accounted for and safe, and we're working with relief agencies to assist however we can. But I know I speak for everyone on this end of the call when I say our thoughts and prayers are with Japanese people.”
