A Sampling of Corporations and Their Causes

Some companies and the causes they support:

Ryka Inc. Takes an interest in issues relating to violence against women.

Nike Inc. Tries to participate in the lives of American youth. The company has a $10-million program to develop sports and fitness facilities for youngsters without access to such centers and supports other youth programs such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Virginia Fibre Corp. The paper mill gives 9% of its pretax profit to AmeriCares, a relief organization started by Virginia Fibre Chief Executive Robert McCauley.

Avon Products Inc. Works to promote breast cancer awareness using its cadre of 415,000 representatives nationwide. The program extends to 10 other countries, where an appropriate women’s health issue is chosen and promoted.

Reebok International Ltd. Has aligned itself with human rights, first sponsoring Amnesty International’s world tour eight years ago and keeping involved with the rights group and the issue ever since.

The Stride Rite Corp. Contributes to further inner city education and health.

Polaroid Corp. Supports programs to fight violence against women; supports math and science teaching.

Liz Claiborne Inc. Campaigns to end violence against women.

Thom McAn Shoe Co. Supports a school-to-work program and mentorship programs in five Worcester, Mass., public high schools.

Levi Strauss & Co. Supports community-based economic development, AIDS and disease prevention, social justice.