Avon Philippines officially turned over funds raised from its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence campaign to Women's Crisis Center (WCC). The funds, raised from the sale of the Global Empowerment Necklace, will go towards ensuring the activation of a hotline service to enable domestic violence victims to speak out.

"Last March, Avon Philippines stepped forward to champion another cause against a social disease that affects the people very close to our hearts - women. With Speak Out Against Domestic Violence campaign, we aimed to raise awareness on the domestic violence issue, stress its gravity and empower women to take the first step against domestic violence by speaking out," Avon Philippines' GM Bob Briddon shared with the intimate group of media guests during the turnover event.

Avon Philippines donated the funds to WCC, which was selected among several non-government organizations invited to apply for the fund.

Miss Teresa Balayon, WCC Executive Director, said,"We are very thankful that Avon has chosen Women's Crisis Center to be its partner in the domestic violence crusade and to be the recipient of the funds. It gives us hope that a big company like Avon takes women's issues very seriously. The funds will go a long way in helping us fulfil our mission to encourage women to step forward and not be afraid."

Aside from the donating the funds, Avon Philippines has also made a commitment to encourage the associates to take an active part in the crusade as volunteers for WCC after going through proper training.

Local celebrity, former Miss World and fashion icon Ruffa Gutierrez, who had been tapped as Avon Philippines' spokesperson for the domestic violence crusade, was also present during the momentous occasion.

"I feel proud to have been chosen as Avon Philippines' spokesperson for the crusade,"said Ms. Gutierrez. "Domestic violence is not an issue that we should be silent about and I am truly honored that Avon gave me this role which I consider an opportunity to step forward and speak out in behalf of many Filipino women."

Ms. Gutierrez was also part of the successful media event undertaken by Avon Philippines to launch Speak Out Against Domestic Violence. The event was very well attended by local celebrities, media guests, representatives from non-government organizations and local politicians.

The turnover event was picked up by several local TV news and entertainment programs.