CONNECTICUT — Paul Newman, known for his successful movie career and line of delicious food products, has also been giving back to people around the world for 35 years. Newman’s company, Newman’s Own, was first launched in 1982 with the actor’s homemade salad dressing, declaring that all profits would be donated towards charity. Now, after over three decades of hard work, the company has put out over 300 products with all proceeds benefiting charities around the world.
Newman’s Own’s Four Focus Areas
Newman’s Own has four focus areas when it comes to its philanthropic work: encouraging philanthropy, children with life-limiting conditions, empowerment and nutrition. Through their focus areas, the organization aims to promote philanthropic actions throughout communities, enhance the quality of life for children who face medical or life challenges, empower people to persevere through challenging circumstances, and make nutritious and sustainable food more accessible.
Tahirih Justice Center
While a large portion of Newman’s Own supports national organizations, they also provide funding for groups overseas and those that work to provide asylum for immigrants. One of the organizations that works under their empowerment focus area is Tahirih Justice Center, which aims to protect women and girls fleeing their home countries due to violence.
Tahirih Justice Center provides support for women and children by giving them a voice in congress and courts, providing free legal services, and educating others how to help in the unique circumstances of these refugees.
International Rescue Committee
Another organization that Paul Newman’s philanthropy backs is the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The IRC responds to humanitarian crises and helps those who have been torn apart by conflict. The group supports people around the world in areas such as Africa, Asia, and the Middle East offering help with health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and more.
In 2016 alone, more than 26 million people benefited from the actions of the IRC. Additionally, the group helped more than 24 million people gain access to healthcare services and vaccinated over 173 thousand infants against measles.
While Paul Newman is popularly recognized for his critically acclaimed movies or delicious lemonade, he has also been able to help millions of people worldwide. Through the creation of his nonprofit, Newman provided resources for millions of people around the world.
While his company celebrates 35 years of successful philanthropic work, the companies that they support continue to grow and prosper, and will hopefully lead to further decades of success.
– Olivia Hayes
Photo: Flickr