CORPORATE GENEROISTY UNRIVALLED IN AUSTRALIA

Avon is the world’s leading fundraiser for the breast cancer cause, and here in Australia they have donated a remarkable $10.5 million to breast cancer research and support programs since 1996.

The beneficiaries of Avon’s generosity are the Australia and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG) and the YWCA Encore Program, an exercise program for women who have had breast cancer surgery.

On Sunday, Avon will donate a further $500,000 to support the ANZBCTG and its clinical trials research program for the treatment, cure and prevention of breast cancer.

Mr. Stephen Ford, President and General Manager of Avon Australia and New Zealand, said the company is celebrating 125 years of improving the lives of women and this donation is further demonstration of their continued crusade against breast cancer.

“We are proud to be actively involved in contributing to research which is saving women’s lives every day, and remain committed to helping the ANZBCTG reach their goal of ‘a world without breast cancer’.”

Professor John Forbes, Director of Research of the ANZBCTG, said that fewer women die of breast cancer today because of improvements in treatment and early detection largely as a result of clinical trials research, and this research would not have been possible without the support of Avon.

“I am overwhelmed by the ongoing commitment of Avon, its Representatives and customers to improving the health of women in Australia by so generously supporting our breast cancer
research program,” said Professor Forbes.

“More than 13,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. Thankfully, the majority of these women will go on to lead longer lives following treatment and we thank Avon for helping to achieve this.”

The presentation of the $500,000 donation will be made on Sunday at the Avon race for research, a 5km fun run and walk held in Newcastle NSW. Over 3,000 people will participate in the event which raises funds for the breast cancer research programs of the ANZBCTG.

For more than 30 years the ANZBCTG has played a major role in the global fight against breast cancer. Its research program involves every major hospital in Australia as well as international clinical trial groups.

Avon raises funds through the sales of specially designed Pink Ribbon products. These are
available through the Avon brochure or by calling 1800 646 000.

For further information on this media release, or for an interview, please contact:
Jenny Leggett, Public Relations Manager, Australia and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group
Ph: (02) 4925 3022, Mobile: 0407 919 767, email: j.leggett@bcia.org.au

Anna Stark, PR, Advertising and Communications Manager, Avon
Ph: (02) 9936 7265, Mobile: 0449 052 440, email: anna.stark@avon.com