This month all eyes turn toward Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, where incredibly talented athletes are gathering for one of the most iconic sporting competitions in the world. Games will be played and goals will be scored. Flags will wave and crowds will cheer. By the end of it all, heroes will emerge, as one team is crowned the champion.
We’ll be watching along with the rest of the world, but at Johnson & Johnson we’re celebrating another type of champion too – the unsung heroes whose acts of care inspire others.
Our Credo guides the work of more than 128,000 Johnson & Johnson employees across the globe, calling on each person to build upon our 125+ year history of caring for the world, one person at a time. It directs us to give back to our communities, and our employees rise to the challenge, dedicating their time and effort to enrich the lives of others. They are inspiring examples of what it means to give back.
This year, through Champions of Care, we’re shining a spotlight on employees who selflessly perform acts of care. This program allows us to recognize select employees for their contributions, celebrate how they demonstrate Our Credo and allow them to continue their caring efforts as they volunteer alongside global peers and attend a 2014 FIFA World Cup™ match in Brazil. To give everyone a glimpse at how our employees are making a difference around the world, we’re featuring three of our Champions of Care today.
Maricarmen Ventura, Latin America
"Once you create the connection with giving back, the momentum takes you places you never imagined yourself to be in.”
When their young daughter found some relief from her diagnosis of autism through hippotherapy, Maricarmen and her husband became certified in the technique to offer therapy sessions to other children. They currently treat six children with different disabilities weekly and are exploring additional work with organizations benefiting blind and paralyzed children. Maricarmen finds it indescribably satisfying to see the children make strides in their rehabilitation therapies. Maricarmen is actively involved in the autism community through fundraising, providing parental support and raising awareness. She also promotes cultural activities in her community and sponsors a local high-schooler, providing him food, school supplies and a uniform.
Jerry Frans, Asia Pacific
“By giving back, you remind yourself that you need others to stay alive. You help someone, then that person helps another. Isn’t it beautiful? A circle of love just happened.”
For nearly two years, Jerry has proven that, “You don’t need to be old and rich to start giving contribution. With what you have now, it’s more than enough to help others in need.” Inspired by his success paying for his education by tutoring students, Jerry provides opportunities for underprivileged children to learn about healthy lifestyles and water sanitation and to spend time with adults like Jerry through activities like singing or going to a zoo. Jerry was nominated as our 2012 APCC Ambassador from Indonesia and donated his $5,000 reward back to the children he volunteers with to provide scholarships and supplies.
Antonio Delgado, EMEA
“When you see children dying because their family doesn’t have a few dollars or because they don’t have access to an essential drug, you understand that small projects and small support can save lives.”
In 2003, Antonio created Marceline, a non-governmental organization with the goal of improving the health, education and nutrition conditions and outcomes of children in Togo, Africa. As founder and president of Marceline, Antonio oversees its main actions, which include providing support to the Pediatrics Service of local hospitals, helping procure necessary medicines for children of families with limited resources, purchasing generators and fridges to conserve vaccines, and supporting an orphanage by improving sanitary conditions and behaviors. Marceline touches the lives of well over 80 children, 26 of whom are sponsored by Janssen employees due to Antonio’s efforts.
We salute these amazing employees, and all of our 2014 Champions of Care. You can watch more inspiring stories at our Employee Champions of Care Playlist on YouTube.