Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Nu Skin Japan Shares Time and Money
“I first heard of Second Harvest Japan about three years ago when I was having a meal at Fujimamas restaurant,” recalls Robert S. Conlee, president of Nu Skin Japan, part of an international company specializing in personal care products and nutritional supplements. In 2004, Fujimamas—a long-time 2HJ supporter—was giving patrons a little meal-time education with chopstick wrappers featuring information about hunger in Japan and 2HJ. “I thought, ‘What a great idea!’ I took my wrapper with me and looked at it from time to time as it sat on my desk. So I was already familiar with 2HJ when I met Charles [McJilton, 2HJ Executive Director] while doing a service project with my kids through the American School in Japan.”
“Our social contribution activities focus on creating a better world for children, and 2HJ fits that profile well,” said Conlee one Saturday afternoon in Ueno Park after lending a hand at the soup kitchen with some colleagues. He noted the majority of 2HJ’s food goes to women’s shelters, orphanages, and families, with only around 20 percent going to the homeless. “2HJ is one of three groups we work with here, the other major one being Hokkaido University for research on a genetically-transmitted skin disorder that afflicts children,” explained Conlee.
“Being involved with Nu Skin, I’ve come to feel that charitable activities are part of daily life,” says Nu Skin Japan’s Mika Yamada, who coordinates the company’s relations with 2HJ and has volunteered several times. “That’s because such a great number of the people I deal with are making sincere efforts every day to practice the ‘Force for Good’ philosophy of enriching the lives of people connected to our company and its products.” Nu Skin Japan’s Force for Good Fund recently provided 2HJ a grant of 18 million yen (monthly 1.5 million yen).
In addition to making financial contributions, employees and distributors are encouraged to contribute their time to help 2HJ provide food to those who need it in Japan. After helping to serve over 500 meals one Saturday in February, Courtland Pearson, another Nu Skin Japan volunteer, said the experience “makes you feel grateful for people who care, and makes you realize the world needs more people who care.” Companies like Nu Skin Japan make a positive impact in their communities. As Yamada says, every contribution is important: “Each person has only a limited power, but when you combine that power, you can make a big difference. Since learning about Second Harvest Japan’s activities, I feel that just by knowing the current situation, you can make the first step.”
A group from Nu Skin Japan provided service with a smile for Ueno Park distribution. “Even though I live in Tokyo, this was the first time I’ve done something like this. It was a great experience,” said Akemi Yoshida, a Nu Skin Japan distributor.
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