In response to the ongoing violence and tragedy in Ukraine, direct selling companies continue to announce their efforts to provide relief to refugees and those in crisis, as well as announcing the pause or cessation of business operations within the Russian market.
dōTERRA has taken steps over the last six weeks to curtail its operations in Russia. The company is now restricting imports and suspending all exports from Russia, ceasing all corporate marketing efforts for dōTERRA products in Russia, and has cancelled its planned capital and resource investments in the region. To provide relief, the dōTERRA Healing Hands Foundation raised over $750,000 for emergency food and supplies, temporary housing and long-term needs for those impacted by the invasion of Ukraine, and is deploying those relief supplies daily through 29 local and on-the-ground charitable organizations.
“We love and appreciate the people of this region and our hearts ache for their suffering and loss,” said Corey Lindley, dōTERRA CEO and Founding Executive. “We will continue to do the right thing, focusing on people and their needs, and continue to do our best to avoid the shaming of people based on ethnicity. Additionally, we will continue to put our focus and funding where it is needed most.”
Southwestern Family of Companies has provided $100,000 to supply aid to families, fund relief and defense efforts in Ukraine, and directly support several of the company’s student members who are currently stranded in Ukraine and separated from their families.
Amway is assembling donations for Global Impact’s Ukraine Relief Fund, UNICEF, hospitals and shelters in Ukraine, and direct donations for employees in desperate need of safe passage and necessities. The company’s U.S.-based World Headquarters has committed to match these donations without limits.
Herbalife is raising funds through its philanthropic arm Herbalife Nutrition Foundation to support Save The Children’s Ukrainian Refugee Initiative. The company stopped its operations in its 62 sales centers in Russia in early March and announced it would no longer ship products to the country. Any profit gained from its Russian market sales will now be donated to organizations supporting Ukrainian refugees.
Young Living partnered with bussing companies to help evacuate staff members and their families who wished to leave Ukraine. The Young Living Foundation is working with Asociatia Casa Share and British Ukraine Aid to help displaced families, and is matching donations up to $100,000. In a statement, the company described the tragedy as “nothing short of a nightmare for the people of Ukraine and peace-loving people everywhere,” and declared that the company unequivocally stands with Ukraine and condemns the war.
inCruises International provided more than $1 million in aid through its Ukrainian Relief program, which gives direct economic assistance to its Ukrainian partners and members.
MONAT Global Corp is matching all donations up to $50,000 to provide aid to the Polish Humanitarian Action and International Rescue Committee. This gift initiative follows the company’s initial contribution of $10,000.
PM-International has donated 1 million Euros and delivered 75 pallets of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and the surrounding border regions, as well as working to bring more than 50 refugees, including many children, safely to Germany. The company’s customers and partners have also supported these emergency relief efforts through the donation of an additional 78,000 Euros to date and, through a campaign with its distribution partners, donated more than 1 million meals in the form of energy bars.
4Life is continuing to provide support to The Children’s Home in Ukraine, a specialized institution in Boyarka, Ukraine that houses more than 100 children, and an organization that the company has partnered with for more than a decade.
NuSkin announced it has suspended its business operations in Russia. The company’s philanthropic organization, the Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation, allocated all of its donations received during the month of March 2022 to support relief efforts in Ukraine, made an additional cash donation to UNICEF USA, and worked with its charity partner Convoy of Hope to send more than 80,000 Nu Skin products, like toothpaste and soap, to refugee camps in Poland. Nu Skin has been actively supporting its Ukrainian employees and distributors and stated that “our thoughts relentlessly go to the millions of people impacted by the conflict.”
Natura &Co, the group owner of The Body Shop, Aesop and Avon International, has suspended it operations in Russia for both The Body Shop and Aesop and is suspending exports for Avon. The company has also made significant donations to relief organizations on the ground in Ukraine.
Oriflame closed its operations in Ukraine to ensure safety for the company’s 115 employees there and has ceased its manufacturing operations in Russia and product exports from Russia. The company also suspended its investments, marketing, training, events and online sales to end consumers in Russia.
Sunrider International organized a fundraising campaign among its employees and distributors that raised $32,964. The company donated an additional $40,000 to this total to equal $72,964. Funds were given to the Ukraine Crisis/International Committee of the American Red Cross.
USANA donated $50,000 to provide food for Ukrainian refugees who have crossed into Poland and Romania, as well as food purchases for those still living in Ukraine. These funds will be split into two parts: $30,000 to provide resources for 1,500-2,000 refugees in Romania and Ukraine; and $20,000 to purchase food for refugees crossing into Poland and for Slavic Gospel Association pastors in Ukraine who continue to help those remaining inside the country.
“The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is just heartbreaking, and I am proud USANA is able to provide assistance to those in need,” said Kevin Guest, USANA’s chairman and CEO. “As a nutrition company, we understand the importance of a proper meal. This emergency grant will go a long way to help the Children’s Hunger Fund feed thousands of refugees. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the region. We hope for a peaceful resolution soon.”
