PMI US supports GivingTuesday in Alabama and honors veterans across the country

Philip Morris International’s US subsidiaries, including Swedish Match (PMI US), have announced their GivingTuesday Community Leadership initiative to support the communities in which they operate, with a particular focus on the Wiregrass region of Alabama. As part of its philanthropic commitment, the company will also honor military veterans and promote small business development. PMI US is also expanding its generosity to five additional communities across the country.

As a Giving Tuesday Community Leader, PMI US will work with organizations like Wiregrass United Way in Dothan, Alabama to strengthen the community. This partnership includes matching donations up to $200,000 collected at six locations across the country. Wiregrass United Way is committed to driving healthier, safer and more sustainable change through community-based projects in Alabama.

Based in Dothan, Wiregrass United Way plays a critical role in the Alabama community by funding transformative projects that address education, health care and housing needs. The PMI US partnership will amplify these efforts during Giving Tuesday, encouraging residents and organizations in the state to give generously to make a local impact.

PMI WS also works with the following partners:

• The Daniel Pitino Shelter In Owensboro, Kentucky, works to break the cycle of homelessness by providing emergency and transitional or permanent housing through a collaborative, community-focused approach.
• CARITAS In Richmond, Virginia, cultivates a community of hope and healing for those experiencing homelessness or addiction.
• Women’s Business Development Council In Stamford, Connecticut, enables small business development with a focus on supporting women on their entrepreneurial journey.
• N Street Village In Washington, D.C., empowers women experiencing homelessness through housing, healthcare and job assistance.
• The hope station In Wilson, NC, supports families in crisis by providing food, housing and emergency financial assistance.

To honor veterans, companies are also working with them Wreaths across America to distribute wreaths in honor of our country’s fallen soldiers at more than 4,600 locations. Employees across the country, including in Alabama, can dedicate a free wreath this holiday season. On December 14, PMI US employees will join communities across the country in wreath-laying ceremonies to honor the sacrifices made by service members.

As part of its commitment to supporting women’s economic empowerment, PMI US will complete the first tranche of its previously announced five-year, $5 million commitment to Connecticut Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) this month. This organization has been supporting female entrepreneurs in starting and growing small businesses since 1997. While this specific engagement focuses on WBDC in Connecticut, businesses and nonprofits in Alabama will benefit from PMI’s broader initiatives to promote economic growth and opportunity.

PMI US’s efforts in Alabama are part of a broader strategy to invest in the communities where its employees live and work. “At PMI, giving isn’t just a moment – ​​it’s a movement,” said JB Simko, head of corporate social responsibility at PMI US. “By the end of 2024, we will have proudly donated nearly $35 million to organizations across the United States, consistent with our philanthropic goals of supporting wellness in the communities where we live and work.”

These contributions build on investments PMI US has already made this year, including a commitment to the veteran community across the country focused on:

• Recruitment campaign to alert military veterans and their spouses to employment opportunities.
• Support national organizations dedicated to improving the lives of veterans and their families, including the Bob Woodward Foundation and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
• We partner with several law school veterans clinics to help veterans access important benefits through free legal services.
• Support community-based, veteran-focused events, initiatives and organizations.
• We bring together veterans, their advocates, researchers, and policymakers to identify unmet needs and collaborate on solutions.

WWith its initiatives focused on veterans, women’s empowerment and hyperlocal giving, PMI US continues to demonstrate its commitment to communities in Alabama and across the country.