J&J launches Champions of Care program in support of its 2014 FIFA World Cup sponsorship
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson, the official healthcare sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, on Thursday announced the launch of the Champions of Care program in the United States to shine a spotlight on people who go above and beyond to do extraordinary things in caring for others.
Developed by J&J in support of its 2014 FIFA World Cup sponsorship, the Champions of Care program invites individuals across the country to celebrate the most caring people in their lives. The need for the program was supported by findings from a nationwide survey conducted by Johnson & Johnson to better understand Americans' sentiments on caring. The survey indicated that more than half (52%) of Americans believe that our nation has become less caring over the past five years. Further, the research found that 9-out-of-10 Americans believe that caring should be encouraged more in our society and that everyone can find an extra five minutes a day to show they care, and inspire others through their actions.
Based on the J&J philosophy that one act of care can inspire another and ultimately, create a more caring world, the program invites individuals to visit CareInspiresCare.com beginning today through April 4 to share their own Champions' stories and nominate them as Champions of Care. From these stories, six finalists will be selected and profiled. Public voting will occur from May 5 to May 25 to select the grand prize winner who will attend the 2014 FIFA World Cup final match in Rio de Janeiro on July 13.
"As the world comes together this summer for the FIFA World Cup, J&J will honor those who selflessly care for others each and every day," stated Holly Means, VP corporate equity strategy and sponsorships, J&J. "Through Champions of Care, we will share inspiring stories and recognize those who make a real difference in their communities and the lives of many around the world."
Karla Martinez, co-host of Univision's Despierta America, was named ambassador for the Champions of Care program in the United States and helped launch the program at a primary school near Miami. Martinez and youngsters from the South Hialeah Elementary School became the first Champions of Care ambassadors in the United States, packing book bags in support of Save the Children's "Early Steps to School Success" program. The books will be donated to children in need across the United States. Over the next four months leading up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Martinez will be traveling with J&J to other markets across the country to participate in events that celebrate and encourage simple acts of care in our everyday lives.
"As a wife, mother and member of my local community, I am proud to partner with Johnson & Johnson on the Champions of Care program to show that even a small act of care can make a difference in people's lives and can inspire others to do the same," Martinez said. "My personal Champion of Care is my grandmother, who has put other people before herself throughout her life. Driven by her example, today I want to inspire others to perform more acts of care."
The Champions of Care program is a key element of the J&J Care Inspires Care campaign, based on the belief that one act of care can inspire another and, ultimately, create a more caring world. As part of its Care Inspires Care campaign, J&J also is inviting people to share their caring stories on the Care Inspires Care Facebook page. Every post, like and share to #JNJ and #inspirecare will be tracked via the "Caremeter" on the page with the goal of reaching 50 million "cares" this year. Reaching key milestones will trigger a donation to global NGO partner Save the Children and be celebrated throughout the months leading up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Through Care Inspires Care and as the Official Healthcare Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup, J&J aims to foster caring among people every day, provide resources to help care for and enable a healthier future for the families and communities in Brazil, and support and care for the fans, volunteers and players at this year's tournament.