COVID-19 has brought life as we knew it to a stand still. It has also provided companies committed to corporate social responsibility impetus to ramp up their efforts. Bridgeview, Ill., based Maya Cosmetics (www.maya-cosmetics.com) reached out to Chicago-based ICNA Relief, a local nonprofit, to ask how they could help.
The result is a donation valued at $3,500 comprising personal care products for families in need, including Vaseline, body wash/shampoo, deodorant, mouthwash, nail clippers, tweezers, nail file, a comb, and toothbrush.
Volunteers will assemble 400 kits on Friday, March 27, at Maya Cosmetics headquarters, 7633 W. 100th Pl. Bridgeview, IL 60455 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The items will be delivered on Tuesday morning, March 31, to ICNA Relief Food Pantry, 1781 Bloomingdale Road, Glendale Heights, IL 60139.
“As more and more of our neighbors lose jobs or see their businesses being impacted, the need to be our brother’s keepers is more urgent than ever before,” says Javed Younis, president, Maya Cosmetics. “At Maya Cosmetics, we do our best to incorporate these values into our day-to-day business dealings. Corporate Social Responsibility is not about distinguishing ourselves from the competition but rather just being a responsible organization that gives back to the community consistently. It’s about being human and living our Islamic faith. These are all matters we have to answer to (God) about,” he says.
“Toiletries are necessities and rarely offered by food pantries, making Maya Cosmetics’ kits even more valuable, especially in this crisis,” said Dr. Saima Azfar, Director, Islamic Circle of North America Relief (ICNA Relief) Chicago. “We are so grateful to organizations like Maya Cosmetics. We need all the donations possible.”
ICNA Relief (icnarelief.org) serves thousands at its pantries in Chicago and Glendale Heights.
Giving back — a muscle that grows the more you use it
Maya Cosmetics (www.maya-cosmetics.com), makers of halal nail polishes and beard care products, is America’s leading halal cosmetics company with distribution in 43 countries. “These efforts were part of our Islamic upbringing originally rather than just a part of our corporate mission. My late father was one of the most-selfless people and always taught me that if I was able to help someone in need, I should just do it,” says Younis.
Besides financial donations to charities and nonprofits, the company sponsors Iftar, the meal at sunset during the Islamic month of Ramadan, for several hundred people each year. Maya Cosmetics also makes a conscious effort to source ingredients from fair-trade suppliers around the world. Approximately 20% of ingredients in nail polish remover and 40% in beard grooming products are sourced under fair trade. For instance, one of their ingredients, almond oil, is purchased from Palestinian farmers at fair trade prices, giving suppliers and independent farmers a sustainable livelihood. Further, Maya Cosmetics has created custom products at wholesale prices for fundraising efforts for organizations like KBK Relief Foundation that supports indigent women around the world.
Donations were made to Susan G. Komen and HugABaby Campaign in South Africa based on sales of particular products in particular countries.
“These were requests our customers brought to us,” Younis said. “Corporate social responsibility, business ethics and philanthropy are crucial in running Maya Cosmetics as a business.”
Article Courtesy: dailyherald.com
