Thanks to all of you who provided answers to August's question re: the tobacco industry's "charitable" donations.

Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, and their corporate pals have certainly been mighty busy establishing positive reputations, coopting foes, and evading the truth about their deadly products around the world. From Bangladesh to the Czech Republic to Mauritius to the U.S., these companies have not hesitated to distribute millions of dollars to a myriad of causes, e.g. disaster relief, renovations of government buildings, financial support for hospitals and medical journals, sponsorship of indigenous craft fairs and sporting events, educational scholarships, and religious activities, to name just a few!

In reading through these examples, note not just the diversity of issues to which Big Tobacco contributes, but also the similarities across borders (e.g. arts, education, environment). Also, we encourage you and your partner to participate in an appropriate follow up action provided by George Banja of Consumer Watch (Kenya). See: http://www.essentialaction.org/tobacco/letter/kenya0109.html

Coopting the Opposition, Buying Respectability, and Evading the Truth --
Big Tobacco's "Charitable" Donations Around the World

BANGLADESH - Tahin, Work for a Better Bangladesh
BAT program in Bangladesh: Tree plantation; Donate concert money to the red cross and hospital (CRP)

CZECH REPUBLIC - Hana Sovinova, National Institute of Public Health
Yesterday, in Prague, several tram stops billboards had the following announcement: PHILIP MORRIS INVITES YOU TO VISIT NEWLY OPENED PAVILIONS FOR GORILLAS IN PRAGUE ZOO. DO NOT MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE PEACE OF AFRICA. PHILIP MORRIS SUPPORTS ECOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF CAPITAL PRAGUE. Very nice, is not it? :-(

KENYA - Merciline Oyier, Social Needs Network
It has come to our notice that the Tobacco firms are back to their dirty tricks this time with B.A.T. going into partnership with the East African Community, Government of Kenya and Confederation of Informal Sector Organizations in East Africa to cosponsor the Third East African Jua Kali/Nguru Kazi Craft Exhibition 2001. This exhibition is targeting small and micro enterprises, organizations dealing with them and other stakeholders in the sector in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania (Ref: Daily Nation August 10, 2001 for the Exhibition advert)

- George Banja, Consumer Watch
Over the years, we have watched with disbelief the apparent "marriage" between our government with the giant tobacco company called BAT. This company has infiltrated our government structures from the rural areas, where cultural festivals are held, to cooperate business, to the state House where Presidential Awards are presented. BAT is an annual donor to the Presidential award scheme. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is also a regular recipient of sponsorship of its activities by BAT. BAT - Kenya is a regular sponsor of the annual Kenya and Drama Festivals.

Kenya is a country of about 42 ethnic communities with rich, diverse cultural heritage. Most of these communities hold annual cultural celebrations in December. These are occasions when the youth learn cultural norms from the old generation. BAT has overexploited such occasions by advertising Tobacco under the guise of sponsorship.

The proliferation of our government by the Tobacco Industry does not end there. The ministry of Tourism and information has not been spared. On August 11, 2001, it was reported in one of the daily Tabloids of BAT's contribution of Sh. 1.5 million (about US$. 20,000) towards Best Journalist of the year award. It was further reported that our President will be the chief guest at the presentation date.
That BAT is allowed by the government to identify with our best is pathetic if not embarrassing. BAT is identifying with our BEST academic achievers, Talented drama groups/choirs, micro-entrepreneurs, Journalists is disturbing. Our BEST are the role models of our society. They should not be contaminated by the tobacco industry. These occasions are opportunities for advertising the killer product- TOBACCO!!

IT IS TIME FOR DIVORCE! We call on GPTC groups to take action: http://www.essentialaction.org/tobacco/letter/kenya0109.html

MAURITIUS - Chaya Jeewoonarain, Institute for Consumer Protection
We wish to inform you that the BAT has finally been able to proceed further the Scholarship Scheme. [Email <awhite@essential.org> for a scanned newspaper article detailing University of Maurice students' joy at receiving BAT educational scholarships]

PAPUA NEW GUINEA - Colin Richardson, Adventist Health Department
British American Tobacco is for the 4th year running sponsoring the Hiri Moale Festival in the capital, Port Moresby. This is a celebration of the traditional Hiri trade that existed from pre-colonial times until some 60 or 70 years ago, where the Motu peoples near Port Moresby would create the large multi-hull lagatoi canoes with their crab-claw sails, and sail westwards into the Gulf of Papua to trade clay pots for sago. It is now the major festival in the Port Moresby region, commemorating as it does trading and cultural links, and friendship between peoples.

BAT has made a very public donation of PNG Kina 29,500 (approx. USD 9000) to support the festival, making it a major sponsor. Although tobacco advertising is illegal in Papua New Guinea, this sort of sponsorship is still allowed, and as a result, BAT is able to promote itself in the media as a goodwill donor and public benefactor. Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr Vai Reva, said, "British American Tobacco recognizes the significance of the Hiri Moale Festival and its importance to the community is strengthening the bonds of friendship between peoples as we respect and encourage the preservation of PNG cultures."

SRI LANKA - Pamodinee Wijayanayake, Alcohol and Drug Information Centre
DRAMA
* A stage drama titled "Death of a Maiden" was played a few months ago. This a kind of drama which would cater for the English speaking "high society". CTC was a co-sponsor and they did it very discreetly.
ART EXHIBITIONS
* CTC provides sponsorship for art competitions and art exhibitions. They sponsored the celebration of the Centenary of the Birth of the famous Sri Lankan artist, George Keyt. Much publicity was given in this regard through the print and electronic media.
MEDICAL
* CTC contributes a donation of Rs. 50,000/- every year for a medical journal "titled "Nimnada" produced by the Medical Faculty of Colombo. This kind of assistance inculcates a favourable attitude in medical people towards the industry.
SCHOLARSHIP
* CTC Eagle, the tobacco company affiliated insurance company has introduced a scholarship scheme to students of higher education and they help school libraries. The company highlighted this activity through electronic and print media along with interviews with those who gained scholarships. This is a new strategy to capture young hearts. [Note: BAT has majority control over Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC)]

THAILAND - Dolthawan Unnanantana, Institute of Tobacco Consumption Control
In Thailand, there are two laws for Tobacco Control which were proposed by Ministry of Public Health. One of them is The Tobacco Product Control Act B.E 1993 which bans all kinds of advertisement and promotions of tobacco products, trademarks, brand-names, logos both directly and indirectly. There is also a ban on free samples, exchanges and gifts of tobacco products for commercial purposes. Sales of tobacco products to persons under 18 years old and sales from vending machines are banned too. However, the law does not compel advertisement in the imported international magazines or live television programmes from satellite .

Tobacco companies try to use a loophole of the law to advertise their Products and penetrate the market without being punished by laws. They use marketing stretegies such as being the patronage of some social activities or campaigns, but there are hidden with enormous profits in return. One vivid example is the advertisement recently pubished in mid-June 2001. Philip Morris group of companies supported to hold the "8th Art Competition 2001" to select the five best creative artworks to be the representatives of Thailand to compete in the "Asian Art Competition 2001" which will be held in Bali, Indonesia on May 2002. This art competition is held among the 8 Asians countries consisting of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines , Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. The winner of international country will get 125,000 Baht. The best Asian artist will get $15,000 US Dollars and the 5 runners-up each will get $ 5,000 US Dollars .

TURKEY - Elif Dagli, National Committee on Tobacco and Health
RJ Reynolds (now Japan Tobacco) distributed free cigarettes to earthquake victims two years ago. On 17th August 1999 an earthquake 7.4 on Richter's scale hit six towns in the North-West part of Turkey. An estimated 45 000 people were killed and many hundred thousands were wounded. Millions were left homeless, jobless over night. RJ Reynolds helped this scene of catastrophe with free cigarettes.

Philip Morris renovated the first Turkish Parliament established after the war of independence. On 20th April 2001 it was opened by minister of culture in spite of all protests. Philip Morris has helped to save an ancient city called "Zeugma" as a new dam construction was about to leave it under the water.
The Minister of Culture believes they are wonderful people and we have very limited vision. Ministry of Tourism still fights hard to get Formula-1 races to Turkey as he thinks that public health law is insignificant. As Gerard Dubois says "They lie and buy".

U.S. - KS - Ted Collins, Private Social Work Practice/Red Ribbon Coalition
Here in Kansas, USA, Phillip Morris tells us via television how they helped people in bosnia with food and how they built a shelter for the homeless somewhere in the United States.

- Mary Jayne Hellebust, Kansas SmokeLess Kids Initiative, Inc.
Here in Kansas some of our most influential persons on the political scene are men who work for the biggest tobacco companies--one for Philip Morris and one for RJ Reynolds. These individuals not only work to protect tobacco use and tobacco products at our state legislature, but they also make political contributions to the individuals who are running for office.
They also make contributions to local events and charities, including sponsoring some of the theatre presentations in the area. They are also known to give contributions to the Meals on Wheels programs that help feed elderly people and to shelters for battered women.
Brown and Williamson is also sponsoring local community organizations, like the Jaycees, to present youth anti-tobacco programs in local schools--this is another way to build good will in the community by supposedly working to reduce youth use, but also to make the Jaycees dependent upon them for money and to mislead people into thinking that these companies are not interested in attracting new customers under the age of 18.

U.S. - NY - Debbie Quinones, New York State Tobacco Control
1. The Support Center of New York is a great place for community based organizations to attend training on all aspects of running a community agency from writing proposals, building a Board of Directors, planning budgets, special events. The sessions are head up by credible and well known presenters. The Center is great reseouces to the non-profit community, and often they provide scholarships. I myself participated in a Community Women Leadership Program a few years ago. As a member of the New York State Department of Health Facilitation Program the team members are always on the lookout for training resources, and when the Support Center was mentioned I was very excited. This did not last long, because upon review of their brochure I saw that Phillip Morris provided scholarships. The availability of this community support builds community loyalty and a data base for PM to tap in to when they develop these "good will campaigns" that in most cases I am sure are largely minority CBO's (Community Based Organizations)
2. The New York City annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade has for many years recieved contributions from Philip Morris.

U.S. - MN - Rick Bernardo, Spirit of Life Project/MN Council of Churches
Subverting Spirituality, Averting Adulthood: Big Tobacco's Moves to Bribe Religion, Social Organizations, and People of Conscience: Tobacco companies target not only youth, but also non-profit and religious organizations, invoking, if not usurping, spirituality in their marketing and promotional funding alike. In light of religion's participation in history -- emancipation, suffrage, abolition, independence and peace movements -- the industry does not want any tigers woken up. There are many illustrations of risk tobacco companies pose to institutions educational or religious alike.

One amazing story relevant to work and outreach in Jewish circles is "Where there's smoke, there's fire," Jerusalem Post, Sunday June 3, 2001: http://www.jpost.com/Editions/2001/06/03/Health/Health.27383.html
In short, James Tisch, president and CEO of Loews Corporation, which owns Lorillard Tobacco, is invited and poised to head the United Jewish Communities(UJC), umbrella organization for American Jewry's 189 federations, the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) and the United Israel Appeal. New York philanthropists Edith and Henry Everett are fighting this, but virtually alone: "[We] believe that in order not to jeopardize their careers some top UJA leaders have made a Faustian bargain with their consciences." And again, "[The United Jewish Communities' nomination of Tisch] leads me to believe that the leadership of the American Jewish community should file for moral bankruptcy... By selecting a person who heads a tobacco company, you have brought shame on the Jewish community." (Edith Everett, in a May 27 letter to Daniel Shapiro, head of the nominating committee, in Radler, M. "Jewish leader's tobacco connection draws fire," Jerusalem Post, Thursday, June 7, 2001: http://www.jpost.com/Editions/2001/06/07/News/News.27696.html )

Others, from Sojourners, the magazine of religion, justice, and politics, which was offered and considered but rejected Philip Morris Kraft money in the past, to the Vatican and Catholic organizations, which sometimes have refused to give up tobacco money and sponsorships, are all liable and vulnerable in many ways once they've gotten into this bed.

Locally here in Minneapolis, the Basilica of St. Mary, very much concerned with social justice, holds an annual Block Party-sponsored for years now by Miller Brewing of Philip Morris, the largest and most successful tobacco company in targeting children here and around the world. And some years ago Catholic Charities maintained some income from a tobacco advertising billboard atop its downtown Minneapolis building.

Consider this on the landscape to which marketing journalist Alan Brody points, as author of Cigarette Seduction ("Resources" section of http://www.tobacco.org ): "Philip Morris... sponsored a series of religious art exhibits. First was the 'Vatican Collections: The Papacy and Art' and then 'Precious Legacy' of Jewish art saved from the fires of the holocaust. Later, they found a collection of Episcopalian art to display around the country and in so doing, greatly increased the pious legitimacy or what might be called the 'spirit power' of their cigarette brands. This is no small issue because cigarettes are connected to issues of life and death. Cigarette companies are not unaware of that..."

Also provided by Rick Bernardo:

Example of Philip Morris inauthentically pandering to the U.S. national conscience: Philip Morris's National Directory of African-American Organizations ("Educational, Political, and Life Opportunities," From the Philip Morris web site: http://www.philipmorris.com/about_pm/corp_initiatives/african_amer_dir/african_amer_dir_main.asp )
"This directory includes more than three hundred organizations that are dedicated to the pursuit of justice and economic opportunity. They showcase the countless and fundamental ways that African-Americans continue to enrich and energize our great nation. At Philip Morris, fairness and equal opportunity for all are rooted in our history and are part of our corporate culture. We are pleased to provide online access to the National Directory of African-American Organizations."

http://www.prospect.org/print/V11/10/dreyfuss-r.html "On occasion, there's been an explicit quid pro quo. In 1994, when the New York City Council was considering restrictions on smoking in public places, Philip Morris threatened to leave the city--taking its arts funding with it--and the company leaned on grantees to join it in opposing the bill; some did. And when Philip Morris tried to wrap itself in the Bill of Rights by sponsoring a nationwide celebration of that constitutional document, among those appearing prominently in the company's campaign was Judith Jamison, artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater."