We condemn the war that Russia continues to wage against Ukraine and are undertaking our utmost humanitarian efforts to protect and support our employees and their families as well as possible under these terrible circumstances. Our thoughts remain with the people in the region and with all our employees and their families.
We remain in close and regular contact with our employees in Ukraine and Russia, providing hands-on support as well as financial and psychological care. In March 2022, we have initiated an immediate aid donation of 2 million Euros to our partners German Red Cross and CARE Deutschland e.V. In addition to that, Beiersdorf employees from around the world have donated 100,000 Euros. Beiersdorf matched the donations raised by the employees resulting in a total donation amount of 200,000 Euros. Furthermore, we have expanded our cooperation with the two German NGO’s innatura and Hanseatic Help for a targeted distribution of product donations. We have donated more than 650,000 NIVEA, 8X4, Hidrofugal, Eucerin, Aquaphor and Hansaplast products to refugees from Ukraine across Europe.
Since the beginning of March 2022, Beiersdorf suspended all commercial activities of our luxury brand La Prairie and tesa and stopped all advertising in Russia. At the same time, the company reduced the product portfolio of NIVEA and Eucerin in the country substantially to basic skin and personal care products only.
At Beiersdorf, care always comes first and goes hand in hand with our commitment to foster peaceful togetherness across borders. First and foremost, we continue to support and protect our teams and their families to the best possible extent under the horrible circumstances. For our 57 employees and their families in Ukraine, we have regular updates on their safety and well-being. We are deeply touched by the persistent sympathy and solidarity shown by Beiersdorf employees around the world. All border-crossing employees from Ukraine have been individually well taken care of thanks to the joint efforts made by colleagues in the Eastern Europe countries. Beiersdorf provided them and their families with accommodation and transport, access to private medical care, psychological support, financial assistance and legal advice. What we have been doing and are still doing is to offer maximum support to all employees affected.
In the spring of 2022, Beiersdorf provided the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg with a building on its premises in Hamburg to serve as accommodation for people from Ukraine who had fled and sought shelter. There are 172 accommodation possibilities.
Once again, our thoughts are with the people in the region and with all our employees and their families.
WE CARE FOR SOLIDARITY.