When a natural disaster occurs, one of the greatest dangers is that survivors will become victims of insect-borne diseases. So as the number-one marketer of insect repellents worldwide, we felt compelled to provide assistance.

Following the tsunami in Asia in December 2004, SC Johnson companies from Indonesia, to Malaysia, to the Philippines, to Thailand responded with fast donations of product — from Baygon^® mosquito coils, to Autan^® repellents, to 15 tons of disinfectant cleaners. And that's not to mention the hundreds of thousands of dollars the company gave to assist recovery efforts.

Similarly, after Hurricane Katrina struck the U.S. Gulf Coast, we responded with tens of thousands of units of OFF!^® insect repellents and Scrubbing Bubbles^® cleaners. In addition, with the company's immediate contribution to the American Red Cross and employee donations, SC Johnson gave more than $250,000 to help those in need.

Our smaller operations, such as SC Johnson Romania, contribute to the company's tradition of crisis support too. In the springs of 2005 and 2006, Romania was heavily affected by floods, with many people losing homes and belongings. SC Johnson Romania recently has supported the building of new homes for three families who lost everything.