–Juguetón Toy Drive Brings Smiles to More than 10 Million Children–
–“Vive sin Drogas” Receives 350,000 Calls at its Addiction Hotline–
–Movimiento Azteca Raises $64 Million Pesos for Medical Assistance Serving 5,500 People–
Mexico City, Jan. 8, 2007—Fundación Azteca, a non-profit organization of Grupo Salinas committed to improving society, reported to its Executive Committee, headed by Ricardo B. Salinas Pliego, annual results of activities focused on improving living standards throughout the Americas. The results exceeded expectations thanks to the generosity of TV Azteca viewers and clients of Grupo Salinas companies. .
The Juguetón, Vive sin Drogas, Movimiento Azteca, ¡Que Viva la Selva Lacandona!,Rompiendo el Silencio and Cow Parade campaigns, as well as the operation of Plantel Azteca, the Ibero-American Contest for a Novela Script with Values and theCaminos de la Libertad essay contest involved millions of participants, and contributed to a better society through the unconditional support of non-profit organizations and the public in general.
One of the most important projects, focused on bringing joy to Mexican children of low income families is the Juguetón, an annual toy drive that collected more than 10 million toys for children on Three Kings Day.
Movimiento Azteca, through its monthly full-day television campaigns, raised $64 million pesos for 40 non-profit foundations to finance 1,004 cleft palate surgeries, 796 cornea transplants, 200 radiotherapy treatments for breast cancer, 60 cochlear implants for deaf children, education for 2,250 children in extreme poverty and the reintegration of 1,190 girls from streets to society.
The Plantel Azteca middle and high school continues to rank in the highest levels of an annual survey of more than 1,500 public and private schools in Mexico, contributing to the formation of leaders for low-income communities.Fundación Azteca annually awards 2,300 full scholarships to study at Plantel Azteca.
Fundación Azteca is also committed to the environment. In the 2006 contest “¡Que Viva la Selva Lacandona!,” 15,000 drawings were submitted and 32 children had the opportunity to travel to the heart of the jungle in the state of Chiapas.The contest increased awareness of caring for natural resources with authorities and the public in general.
“Through Fundación Azteca, we use the power of television to direct the enormous solidarity of Mexico to help where improved living conditions can be generated,” said Ricardo B. Salinas Pliego, President and founder of Grupo Salinas.“In 2006, we once again exceeded our expectations, improving the quality of life of a growing number of people and generating optimism for the potential of our cause.”
Fundación Azteca also promoted cultural activities by supporting the 2006 Ibero-American Contest for a Novela Script with Values, where more than 500 writers from Latin America and Spain participated with television scripts containing significant values for our communities.
Additionally, the first Caminos de la Libertad essay contest was held, receiving 763 papers from 18 countries in the Americas expressing the commitment of the authors toward freedom in our societies.
Finally, through the recently created Fundación Azteca America, Grupo Salinas is serving US Hispanic communities by supporting foundations such as Padres Contra el Cancer and the dissemination of Vive sin Drogas messages, as well as a recent campaign against drinking and driving.
Profile of Fundación Azteca
Fundación Azteca is the Grupo Salinas non-profit arm that promotes corporate social responsibility by connecting community needs with organizations and people willing to commit to social and environmental causes.
Media Contacts:
Tristán Canales
Comunicación Corporativa
Grupo Salinas
(5255) 1720-1441
tcanales@gruposalinas.com.mx
Daniel McCosh
International Communications Grupo Salinas
(5255) 1720-0059
dmccosh@tvazteca.com.mx |
