The problems we face in today's society are not only those that are reported by the media. If you look carefully around the world, you will find that many social problems exist very close to home.

The Red Cross has the world's largest humanitarian assistance network and their activities transcend borders, religion and race. In Europe, not only are they involved in dispute- and disaster-relief activities, they also focus their energies on community healthcare and educating youths. Canon Europe, which has long provided support for these activities through charity events and various other means, formed a partnership with the Red Cross in 2006 to further strengthen the collaborative relationship the two organizations share. The company actively cooperates with the Red Cross's youth support and education projects spanning 16 European countries, including the United Kingdom, Belgium, Finland, France and the Netherlands, offering both financial and physical support to help young people deal with the issues they encounter in today's society.

The Danish Red Cross launched the Study Café project to help youths from disadvantaged communities go on to further education. Young volunteers provide assistance by helping children with their schoolwork and discussing the benefits of continuing studies. The Swiss Red Cross supports first-aid training for young people.

At Canon, we believe that our corporate activities are made possible by the development of society as a whole. To support the realization of a better society, we will continue carrying out social contribution activities that are rooted in local communities.