Mary Kay - Press Room /content/corporate/en-ca/company/pressroom/pressroom.xml Mary Kay - Press Room 2012 en-ca The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation Donates $100,000 to Domestic Violence Shelters Across Canada /ContentPage.aspx?FileName=/company/pressroom/pr-sheltergrant11.html&Culture=en-CA&UICulture=en-CA Foundation reinforces commitment to ending domestic violence recognizing 10 shelters in province and territories across Canada with annual shelter grant program.

Mississauga, ON, January 17th, 2012 - The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation’s annual shelter grant giving program awarded $100,000 in total grants to 10 domestic violence shelters or outreach programs in provinces and territories across Canada. Each shelter received a $10,000 grant to help combat domestic violence, educate local communities, provide much needed shelter and rehabilitation for survivors, especially in a time when donations are down and the need for services is on the rise.

Domestic Violence in Canada
In fact, new research conducted by the University of British Columbia found the aftermath of abusive relationships is costing Canadians an estimated $6.9 billion a year. The study, published in a recent issue of Canadian Public Policy, found that women who have ended relationships involving "intimate partner violence" continue to face persistent health issues, legal troubles and economic burdens, totalling $13,162 annually per woman — a cost spread across private and public domains.

According to lead researcher, UBC nursing Prof. Colleen Varcoe, many of the health problems were directly linked to previous physical abuse, Much of the strain, though, is caused by long term emotional pain and stress associated with abuse, she said. "The effects of stress on your health last a long time."

The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation – Shelter Grants at Work
Every December, The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation awards grants to deserving women’s shelters. These grants provide services such as counseling, transportation vehicles, emergency shelter, food, clothing and basic needs to domestic violence survivors and their children.

“The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation is committed to ending domestic violence through our partnerships with shelters across the country, which provide the critical services survivors need most,” said Lynda Rose, a Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation board member and Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. “Especially now, with the need for services increasing and donations on the decline, we are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of women and children who will be impacted by our annual shelter grant giving program.”

Mary Kay has long recognized the importance of educating women about domestic violence and keeping them safe from it. The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation is supported by hundreds of Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. and is an important part of the legacy of Mary Kay Ash.

About The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation
The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation was established in Canada in 2001, and its mission is two-fold: to support women living with cancer through the Look Good Feel Better® program and to help end violence against women by providing grants to women's shelters and community outreach programs. Since then, it has awarded over $831,000 to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence and $377,000 to help women going through cancer treatment throughout Canada. From every dollar raised, 97 cents goes to these two important causes. To learn more about The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, visit www.marykay.ca.

About Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd.
Mary Kay is one of the world’s largest direct selling companies with more than $2.5 billion in annual wholesale sales worldwide. Mary Kay was founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash with the goal of helping women achieve personal growth and financial success. Mary Kay remains committed to enriching women’s lives, and today more than 2 million people of all backgrounds are enjoying the advantages of being a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Mary Kay’s high-quality skin care and colour cosmetic products are sold in more than 35 countries around the world. To learn more about Mary Kay, visit www.marykay.ca.

 

]]> Thursday, March 1, 2012 00:00:00 EST Mississauga, ON – March 1st, 2012 Mary Kay Unveils the Newest Member of its Pink "Beauty Fleet" in Mississauga /ContentPage.aspx?FileName=/company/pressroom/pr-pinkfleet.html&Culture=en-CA&UICulture=en-CA Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants accustomed to stopping traffic with their beauty will now have the opportunity to earn the use of new pink ride to success.

MISSISSAUGA, November 23rd, 2011 – Mary Kay’s annual Seminar in July served as the backdrop of a spectacular unveiling when thousands of Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants – expecting perhaps to see a new model of the coveted pink Cadillac – were astonished by the announcement of a promotion by Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd.’s President, Ray Patrick, that a brand new Ford Edge and Taurus in none other than ... pink ... would be joining the Mary Kay Career Car fleet!

The stylish pink Ford Edge and Taurus join their iconic sister, the pink Cadillac, as two more symbols of status and achievement of top-performing Mary Kay independent sales force members.

“At Mary Kay, for nearly 50 years, we have conducted extensive design work as we develop on-trend, high-performing colour cosmetics and skin care products that consumers want and need. We applied this same, deep-rooted commitment to searching for a new Mary Kay Career Car option for our Independent Beauty Consultants that beautifully blends style and sophistication, with functionality and durability – as well as one more way to inspire the Mary Kay independent sales force on their road to success. Our Company’s dedication to finding what women want is underscored once again as we welcome the trendy pink Ford Edge and Taurus to our family of Mary Kay Career Cars.”

We’re now pleased to announce that Mary Kay Independent Sales Director Ming Tsang of the Greater Toronto Area, has been rewarded with the use of the Company’s first pink Ford Edge. To honour this achievement – and to unveil the first-ever pink Ford model – Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd., in partnership with Ford of Canada, held an event at its corporate office [2020 Meadowvale Blvd., Mississauga, ON] on Wednesday, November 23rd at 2:00 p.m.

Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. President Ray Patrick, along with Bill Rowe, Fleet Operations Manager for Ford of Canada, as well as Mary Kay and Ford Canada corporate staff were on hand to present Ming with the keys to Canada’s first-ever pink Ford Edge.

“I’m excited to have reached this milestone in my Mary Kay business,” said Ming. “Earning a Mary Kay Career Car is the ultimate symbol of success – and for the Company to recognize my hard work and dedication to enriching women’s lives with a new Ford Edge – in pink nonetheless – is truly remarkable. This car really fits my needs as a driver and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and paint the town pink!”

About Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd.
Mary Kay is one of the world’s largest direct selling companies with more than $2.5 billion in annual wholesale sales worldwide. Mary Kay was founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash with the goal of helping women achieve personal growth and financial success. Mary Kay remains committed to enriching women’s lives, and today more than 2 million people of all backgrounds are enjoying the advantages of being a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Mary Kay’s high-quality skin care and colour cosmetic products are sold in more than 35 countries around the world. To learn more about Mary Kay, visit www.marykay.ca.

 

]]> Friday March 2nd, 2012 Mississauga, ON – November 23rd, 2011 Mary Kay Leads Efforts to Pursue Alternative Saftey Testing in China /ContentPage.aspx?FileName=/company/pressroom/pr-animaltesting.html&Culture=en-CA&UICulture=en-CA DALLAS - Mary Kay, a global leader in the beauty industry, is again taking a leadership role on the issue of alternative testing methods for product safety and quality. For more than 20 years, Mary Kay has been a global advocate in the commitment to end animal testing. On December 28, 2011, Mary Kay became the first founding member of the International Outreach Consortium of the Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc. (IIVS). This consortium was created with the primary goal of promoting the principles of non-animal safety testing. IIVS is an international organization based in the U.S. dedicated to developing alternative testing methods for product safety around the world. Mary Kay has been active with IIVS since the 1990s and its Science Advisory Panel since 2009.

“This is a passionate issue for us at Mary Kay,” said Dr. Beth Lange, Mary Kay Inc.’s Chief Scientific Officer. “We are deeply committed to the elimination of animal testing, and our record speaks to that. Finding alternatives to animal testing has been and will continue to be a top priority for Mary Kay.”

In fact, Mary Kay’s commitment to the elimination of animal testing also has been demonstrated over the years by:
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  • Sponsoring the First International Forum on Cosmetic Technology and Applications – Alternatives to Animal Experimentation for Cosmetics in Beijing in April 2011 organized by the China Cosmetics Research Center in the Beijing Technology and Business University.
  • Being one of the first companies to meet with Chinese safety authorities to discuss alternative testing methods.
  • Serving as one of the first companies to work directly with dermatology experts used by the Chinese government in their review process of alternative testing in lieu of animal testing for cosmetic products. In fact, Mary Kay sponsored a symposium for dermatologists in China on the use of human clinical methods for product safety in 2007.
  • Being one of only two cosmetic companies listed as scientific contributors to the first book in Chinese describing alternative principles and applications.
  • Hiring one of the world’s leading scientists on animal alternatives who was one of the founders of IIVS and its former Chief Scientific Officer, as Mary Kay’s principal scientist for product safety.
  • Donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing at Johns Hopkins University.
  • Partnering with the Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc. (IIVS) since the 1990s and its Science Advisory Panel in 2009.

“Mary Kay has individually supported a training course about safety testing using non-animal methods by sponsoring a workshop at the IIVS laboratory for Chinese regulatory scientists in 2010,” said Erin Hill Vice President with the Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc.

Mary Kay does not conduct animal testing on its products or ingredients, nor ask others to do so on its behalf, except when absolutely required by law. There is only one country where the company operates – among more than 35 around the world -- where that is the case and where the company is required by law to submit products for testing – China.

Lange added: “Mary Kay has been working very closely with the Chinese government for many years now to demonstrate that alternative testing methods ensure safe and effective products. We hope our efforts as the first cosmetics company to join the International Outreach Consortium of the IIVS, along with our long track record of past and present activities, will be instrumental in the Chinese regulatory authority’s evaluation, validation and, eventual acceptance and adoption of alternative testing methods.”

About The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation
The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation was established in Canada in 2001, and its mission is two-fold: to support women living with cancer through the Look Good Feel Better® program and to help end violence against women by providing grants to women's shelters and community outreach programs. Since then, it has awarded over $831,000 to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence and $377,000 to help women going through cancer treatment throughout Canada. From every dollar raised, 97 cents goes to these two important causes. To learn more about The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, visit www.marykay.ca.

About Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd.
Mary Kay is one of the world’s largest direct selling companies with more than $2.5 billion in annual wholesale sales worldwide. Mary Kay was founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash with the goal of helping women achieve personal growth and financial success. Mary Kay remains committed to enriching women’s lives, and today more than 2 million people of all backgrounds are enjoying the advantages of being a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Mary Kay’s high-quality skin care and colour cosmetic products are sold in more than 35 countries around the world. To learn more about Mary Kay, visit www.marykay.ca.

 

]]> Tue, 17 January 2012 00:00:00 EST Mississauga, ON – January 17th, 2012 Direct Sellers Association of Canada Honours Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. with Industry Innovation Award /ContentPage.aspx?FileName=/company/pressroom/pr-dsahonour.html&Culture=en-CA&UICulture=en-CA Toronto, ON – June 29th, 2011 – Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. was the recipient of the Direct Sellers Association of Canada (DSA) award for industry innovation at the association’s annual conference in June. The award recognizes the implementation of a program or service unique to the Canadian direct-selling industry by a DSA member company.

Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. received the award for a promotion called Lynda’s March Madness. The objective of the promotion was to challenge the Mary Kay independent sales force to hold 10 classes in one week (seven days) in the month of March. Given that the average weekly number of skin care classes held by our Independent Beauty Consultants was two or three, this goal definitely stretched the status quo.

Similar to the premise of television’s “Undercover Boss”, Lynda’s March Madness saw our Vice President of Sales & Marketing Lynda Rose, hold 11 skin care classes from March 16th – 22nd, with all profits from her product sales donated to the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation.

“This award acknowledges Mary Kay’s ongoing commitment to creating innovative programs and promotions that help instill passion and promote growth within its independent sales force,” said Lynda Rose. “We had the amazing opportunity to hear from independent sales force members via Facebook, e-mails, phone conversations and at events regarding the impact of Lynda’s March Madness on their business. And what we discovered is that it reignited their passion for holding classes. And why wouldn’t it? That’s where their business begins. Mary Kay Ash always said that ‘bookings are the life line of this business’ and it’s true.”

Plus, Lynda’s March Madness allowed Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. to increase its presence on social media vehicles (Facebook, Twitter). Additionally, it was the catalyst for the launch of a corporate blog, in which Lynda documented her excitement, anxiety, fears, ups, downs, bloopers and successes – all related to her March Madness. In fact, the corporate blog (www.marykay.ca/blogspot) received 13,071 views from the time it launched on February 23rd, 2011 to March 22nd, 2011, which marked the end of the promotion period.

During the promotion, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. added 408 Facebook friends (up by 37%), post views increased by 256% and the feedback increased by 242% – with its highest peak on March 16th, which was Lynda’s first day of skin care classes. At the same time, Mary Kay’s Twitter following increased by 21% from January to April – at the height of the Company’s corporate promotion of Lynda’s March Madness. This increased presence on Facebook, Twitter and the corporate blog has opened up new opportunities for communication and engaging the independent sales force, editors, bloggers, consumers and influencers.

An active member and a leader in the direct-selling industry, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. was previously honoured with the Industry Innovation Award in 2009 for the re-launch of www.marykay.ca and being able to offer a multilingual version of a Canadian consumer website beyond the standard bilingual requirements. In 2006, the Company received the Making A Difference Award for its efforts to assist survivors of domestic violence and to support women living with the appearance-related effects of cancer treatment through the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation.

About Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd.
Mary Kay, a trusted global name in captivating colour and powerhouse skin care, celebrates nearly 50 years of enriching women’s lives, including 33 years in Canada. Mary Kay® product is available exclusively through more than 2 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants in 35 markets worldwide. The Mary Kay® product line includes more than 200 premium products in six categories: facial skin care, men’s skin care, colour cosmetics, body care, sun protection and fragrance. To locate an Independent Beauty Consultant in Canada, consumers can use the Independent Beauty Consultant Locator at www.marykay.ca or call 1 (866) 455-5454.

About The Direct Sellers Association of Canada
Since 1954, the DSA has been Canada’s trade association for direct selling companies that manufacture and distribute goods and services through independent sales contractors (ISCs). The Association supports nearly 50 companies and represents over 600,000 independent sales contractors Canada-wide. To learn more about the DSA, its member companies and the direct selling Code of Ethics, visit www.dsa.ca.

 

]]> Wed, 29 June 2011 12:00:00 EST Toronto, ON – June 29th, 2011 FASHION Readers Choose Mary Kay /ContentPage.aspx?FileName=/company/pressroom/pr-fashion.html&Culture=en-CA&UICulture=en-CA Mississauga, ON (January 19th, 2011) – Exclusive to Canada, FASHION Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards is a favourite among beauty aficionados and industry insiders – with the results widely anticipated by editors, beauty brands and readers.

The February 2011 issue of FASHION unveiled this year's fan faves, which includes the following Mary Kay product:

"The award illustrates that the Mary Kay® brand and our product is contemporary and relevant for modern women," says Debra Joseph, director of marketing, e-business and communications. "We're thrilled to be featured in one of Canada's leading fashion and beauty magazines in such great company."

A complete list of FASHION Magazine's 9th Annual Readers' Choice Beauty Awards is available at www.fashionmagazine.com.

About FASHION Magazine FASHION magazine is singularly poised to bring the world of international FASHION home to Canadians. With editors and contributors who travel to, and live in, the style capitals of the world, we’re out there on the front lines of FASHION. FASHION is filled with up-to-the-minute news from the runways of New York, London, Milan and Paris. From the front row to the shopping addresses of Canada, FASHION is there.

About Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. Mary Kay is one of the world's largest direct selling companies with more than $2.5 billion in annual wholesale sales worldwide. Mary Kay was founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash with the goal of helping women achieve personal growth and financial success. Mary Kay remains committed to enriching women's lives, and today more than 2 million people of all backgrounds are enjoying the advantages of being Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants. Mary Kay's high-quality skin care and color cosmetics products are sold in more than 35 countries around the world. To learn more about Mary Kay, www.marykay.ca.

 

]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST Mississauga, ON - January 19th, 2011 Toronto Marlies Partner with the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation for "Pink At The Rink Day" /ContentPage.aspx?FileName=/company/pressroom/pr-mkacf-patr.html&Culture=en-CA&UICulture=en-CA Toronto, ON – January 25th, 2010 – The Toronto Marlies have dedicated their February 6th home game against the Hamilton Bulldogs – American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate for the Montréal Canadiens – as “Pink At The Rink Day” in support of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF). Game time is 7 p.m. at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto.

The public is invited to attend the game at a discounted centre ice ticket rate of just $25, with $5 from each ticket sold donated to the MKACF. Proceeds from ticket sales will contribute to MKACF initiatives to address violence against women and support women dealing with the appearance-related effects of cancer treatment. In 2009, the event raised more than $4,000 for the MKACF and its causes.

“The Marlies are dedicated, active community leaders and we’re honoured once again to partner with their organization to raise awareness for the missions of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation,” says Dawn Gerry, board member of the MKACF.

In addition to lively game play from the AHL’s up-and-coming players, attendees can expect additional game-time fundraising activities including a silent auction with skin care and cosmetic prize packs from Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. and autographed Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment sports memorabilia.

To purchase tickets, call the Toronto Marlies at 416-263-3925.

About Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd.
Mary Kay Inc., one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics, achieved another year of record results in 2008 with $2.6 billion in wholesale sales. Mary Kay® products are sold in more than 35 markets worldwide, and the company’s global independent sales force exceeds 2 million. To locate an Independent Beauty Consultant in Canada, consumers can use the Independent Beauty Consultant Locator at www.marykay.ca or call 1 (866) 455-5454.

About The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation
The MKACF was established in Canada as a nonprofit foundation in 2001. The mission of the foundation in Canada is to support women living with cancer through Look Good Feel Better® and to help end violence against women by providing grants to women’s shelters and community outreach programs. The MKACF raises funds to support these programs through the sale of fundraising items and events, as well as donations made by the independent sales force, corporate staff and consumers.

 

]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST Toronto, ON - January 25th, 2010 Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation Donates $110,000 to Canadian Women's Shelters /ContentPage.aspx?FileName=/company/pressroom/pr-mkacf-shelters.html&Culture=en-CA&UICulture=en-CA Mississauga, ON (January 12th, 2010) – For eleven Canadian women’s shelters and community outreach programs, the new year brings greater optimism for the future ahead.

The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF) recently announced the recipients of its annual shelter grant program, which contributes $10,000 to the operating budget of programs that aid women and their children who have escaped domestic violence.

“The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation is dedicated to supporting the important work that community outreach programs and women’s shelters do to empower women and children in communities across Canada,” says Dawn Gerry, spokesperson for the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation.

Since 2004, the MKACF has awarded $304,000 in shelter grants, benefiting 64 women’s shelters and community outreach programs nationwide that assist women who have survived domestic violence.

“Alice Housing is a quintessential grassroots organization that does big work”, says Joanne Bernard, executive director of grant recipient Alice Housing in Dartmouth, N.S. “With limited government funding and 40% of our budget derived from fundraising, this grant provides a tremendous boost to the organization as we continue to assist women and children with shelter and counseling.”

Grant recipients were selected from applications received throughout fall 2009.

About The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation
The MKACF was established in Canada as a nonprofit foundation in 2001. The mission of the foundation in Canada is to support women living with cancer through Look Good Feel Better® and to address violence against women by providing grants to women’s shelters and community outreach programs. The MKACF raises funds to support these programs through the sale of fundraising items, events and donations made by the Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. independent sales force, corporate staff and consumers.

About Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd.
Mary Kay Inc., one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics, achieved another year of record results in 2008 with $2.6 billion in wholesale sales. Mary Kay® products are sold in more than 35 markets worldwide, and the company’s global independent sales force exceeds 2 million. To locate an Independent Beauty Consultant in Canada, consumers can use the Independent Beauty Consultant Locator at www.marykay.ca or call 1 (866) 455-5454.

 

]]> Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST Mississauga, ON - January 12th, 2010