Community

In Brazil, Panasonic has assisted Rainforest Foundation Japan in its efforts to help record and register the spoken language and culture of a local indigenous tribe, by donating AV equipment, including digital video cameras, editing machines, TVs and mini-systems. Since 1993, Panasonic products have played and will continue to take on a crucial role in the preservation of the language and culture of the Caiapo tribe, which has no form of written language, as well as in the enhancement of communications between tribe members and the outside world.

The role of non-profit organizations (NPOs) in creating a better society has become evermore vital. Panasonic hopes that by reinforcing the organizational bedrock of NPOs they will be able to realize their full potential and contribute to the realization of a better society. To help ensure the growth and stability of childrenrelated and environmental NPOs, the Panasonic NPO Support Fund provides financial aid for the strengthening of their organizational foundations. We also offer comprehensive support including consultation and the sharing of know-how. In fiscal 2007, applications were received from 290 organizations across Japan, and aid worth nearly ¥28 million was given to 12 NPOs working on children's issues, and nine working on the environment.

In conjunction with a local dealer, Panasonic donated and installed a PBX phone system and cordless phones at a hospital located in the city of Beslan in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania which took in many victims of the 2004 school siege. Tripling its phone lines, the donations aided the hospital in contacting patients, family members and other staff and continues to aid the hospital in its mission to care for its patients. The company also helped bring cheer to the Morozov's Children's Hospital in Moscow by donating air-conditioners to heat the facility's operating rooms and holding a celebration in honor of Children's Day complete with fun-filled activities for hospitalized and neighborhood children.