Philips 2009 Annual Report Download - page 55

3 Our planet, our partners, our people 3.6 - 3.6
Philips Annual Report 2009 55
Taking an important step
Encouraging healthy, active lifestyles, we
are proud to be a signature sponsor of
the American Heart Association’s
Start! Heart Walk.
There’s no question actions speak louder than words. That’s why we have taken
an important step to reinforce our desire to be the leading company in Health
and Well-being by sponsoring the American Heart Association’s largest multi-
city event and fundraiser called the Start! Heart Walk.
Through a special website, employees created walking teams with colleagues to
participate in a local Heart Walk in cities across the United States or virtually
through our Philips Virtual Team. By taking part, over 1,900 employees found a
great way to exercise and have fun with colleagues, while raising more than
EUR 223,000 to support research, find answers and save lives.
Fighting a global killer
Cardiovascular diseases, which include heart disease and stroke, are the world’s
leading cause of death, claiming more than 17 million lives annually, with over
864,000 of those in the US alone.
“Philips is helping our mission of fighting heart disease and stroke by providing
support to this important cause so that more resources can be made available
to those looking for tips on how to get more physical activity into their day,”
said Neil Meltzer, American Heart Association Board Chairman and President
and Chief Operating Officer, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore.