Company makes optimum use of philanthropic activities by working with others to inspire and motivate

Editor's note: In order for a corporation's philanthropic activities to have the greatest impact possible, it requires the joint effort of people, companies, or organizations who believe in a common cause - otherwise it is impossible. In accordance with this principle, an important part of the success of the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund over the past year has come from the program's partners. And this is what some of them have to say about that success.

Abhimanyu Singh, director and representative of the UNESCO office in Beijing

"In reflecting on how much our World Heritage protection cooperation with Mercedes-Benz has achieved up to this very day, we are pleased to see that the collective efforts have paid off and we have indeed achieved success.

The six-year commitment that Mercedes-Benz has made towards heritage conservation in China is admirable and it truly reflects the strategic focus on sustainable development.

With Mercedes-Benz as a role model, we hope that more corporations will follow in their footsteps in paying greater attention to the conservation of heritage."

Tu Meng, secretary-general of the China Youth Development Foundation and a partner of the Star Fund program

"By establishing the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund we were able to integrate both of our resources effectively, thereby making the optimum use of and maximizing the value of our various philanthropic activities.

Through our close cooperation with Mercedes-Benz, we came to see that their values in social responsibility, development, and the pursuit of excellence are a perfect match with our own values. And we are greatly impressed by Mercedes-Benz's professionalism and the quality in the execution of their CSR programs.

With this further donation to the Green Legacy Program, Mercedes-Benz has not only honored their commitment to environmental protection but also inspired and further motivated us to do even more through our joint efforts."

Yang Jingmao, vice-director of China's National Center for the Performing Arts

"The Weekend Concert Series that is a joint project of Mercedes-Benz has in fact attracted people from all walks of life.

These concerts have won a great deal of praise from music lovers all over and have continued to grow in their influence. By using a richer mix of artistic forms, the Weekend Concert Series has given the public an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the arts through a series of musical performances at a low cost."

Sun Jinfang, vice-chairwoman of the China Tennis Association

"The Mercedes-Benz 'Swing for the Stars' Junior Tennis Development Program has had an immense, positive influence on the long-term development of our young athletes.

On behalf of the China Tennis Association, I would just like to thank Mercedes-Benz for its support for the training of young tennis players in China.

I am also grateful for their long-term support for the Chinese national tennis team and for the China Tennis Grand Prix. The Mercedes-Benz's program serves to actively drive the promotion and further development of tennis among the youths."

Zhang Hemin, director of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Pandas

"Mercedes-Benz's support for the panda kindergarten has undoubtedly improved the living conditions and surroundings of these adorable young pandas. This will also bring about greater social awareness and increase interest in the research and conservation of the pandas!"

Joachim Walther, deputy editor-in-chief of Auto Bild Magazine and co-initiator of the China Best Driver Contest

"We're glad to be a partner of Mercedes-Benz in introducing this program into China and, more importantly, to put increased emphasis on promoting proper road etiquette instead of merely testing skills. We believe that this will have the same effect - in playing an important role in improving road safety awareness in China - that it has in Germany."

China Daily

(China Daily 06/30/2011 page20)