We All Have an Opportunity to Make a Difference

By Sarah Colamarino

Sometimes in our careers, we have the fortunate opportunity to make a meaningful difference in society through our work.  Over the past 2 years, I have had a unique opportunity to use my background in communications and marketing to work hand-in-hand with my colleagues in Corporate Contributions and together, we are finding ways to involve our customers, fans and friends in causes that Johnson & Johnson has cared about for many years.

Much of our work focuses on helping women and children around the world.  Making a difference is sometimes as simple as using mobile technology to spread critical health information to new and expectant mothers through our text4baby and MAMA initiatives.  Or providing clean water to global communities, ensuring the health and safety of the most vulnerable people. Or raising funds for fistula surgeries, freeing women from the isolation and stigma resulting from obstetric fistula caused by prolonged and often unattended labor. Whatever the cause – the need is great and sometimes even a small gesture can make an important difference.

To celebrate the recent holiday season, we launched a program with Catapult.org that channels the generosity of those who want to help towards the organizations that most need support.  Catapult offers an initiative approach to fund raising for multiple organizations impacting women and children.  Through the end of January, Johnson & Johnson will match individual contributions to specific projects dollar for dollar up to $50,000. We encourage you to think about making a special contribution for yourself or consider a gift in the name of a family member or friend.

Over the next several months, we also have special projects designed to support The Fistula Foundation and the United Nations Foundation. We will share the details with you as they are available and hope that you’ll consider participating.

When I think about the challenges faced by women and children around the world, I feel so fortunate for the simple things in my life.  I have been privileged to meet many women who show bravery and determination beyond what many of us could ever imagine and I am inspired by the difference we can all make through programs like this one!