News from Hands On Tokyo (English)

Merrill Lynch and other HOT volunteers at DOS

Throughout the world Merrill Lynch is known for its long-standing commitment to corporate philanthropy. As a global company built on local relationships, the firm believes the surest path to economic prosperity is providing people of all backgrounds the opportunities and fundamental skills needed to unlock and realize their potential. Its philanthropic activities are concentrated on helping underserved communities gain access to programs and economic support that enable them to improve their lives.

Merrill Lynch searches for projects that are innovative, advance a global cause, tap the best non-profit partners, involve Merrill Lynch volunteers, transcend cultural sensitivities, and adhere to best practices. In Japan, most of the firm's giving centers on child and family welfare, civic causes, environmental safety, and the arts. In recognition of its commitment to society, Merrill Lynch is the three-time recipient of Japan's highest national honor to firms that support society, the Konju Hosho (or Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon). No other firm, domestic or foreign, has achieved this milestone.

Since Merrill Lynch became a top-tier sponsor of Hands on Tokyo in September 2008, the HOT-Merrill Lynch partnership has become a model for HOT's work with all of our corporate sponsors. Merrill Lynch staffers are frequent volunteers at HOT's regular projects, and 33 Merrill Lynch employees participated in several different projects on the October Day of Service. Kaori Yamamoto, a Merrill Lynch employee, had this to say about her experience with her 5-year old daughter at the autumn festival at the senior home. "It was a wonderful event, offering creative and enjoyable activities everyone can take part in, including making perches for feeding birds, gardening, and bead accessory-making. It was a day of learning for us. We enjoyed as much as the people we were visiting. When it was time to say goodbye, they told us to come back. Then, my daughter, who looked a bit tired from her first volunteering experience, replied, 'I will definitely be back!'"

Alan Leigh, chairperson of Merrill Lynch's Philanthropy Committee, says, "We feel that HOT offers a full range of rewarding, impactful activities for our people who wish to volunteer in Japan. While the firm itself commits quite a bit of financial support to the local community, we want to go the next step by offering our associates ways to 'get their hands dirty' benefiting the people of Japan." The Merrill Lynch committee regularly publicizes HOT's programs internally and is working with HOT staff to organize a panel discussion by HOT partners so employees can hear first-hand what a difference their volunteer efforts make.

HOT has also benefited greatly from the wealth of experience the Merrill Lynch Philanthropy Committee have in the Japanese corporate philanthropy community. Thanks to an introduction from the firm to the University of Tsukuba Affiliated School for the Blind, in April HOT will launch a new project with the high school's English Conversation Club. HOT's current English conversation for the blind project is one of our most popular, so we are excited to be able to offer many more volunteers an opportunity to participate in this rewarding activity.

To Merrill Lynch and all of its employees, we say a sincere thank you for your leadership in community service and for your whole-hearted support of HOT. We look forward to continuing to draw on your wisdom and experience as we grow and deepen our partnership.