CSR
McCann
END ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or motor neuron disease) is a devastating neurological condition in which the sensory perception, intelligence, vision, and hearing, and organ function remain intact, but the muscles throughout the body—including those in the limbs, throat, tongue, and those required for breathing—gradually weaken and fail. As the disease progresses, in most cases the eyes are the only muscles that continue to move, becoming the final means of communication. In some cases, all bodily movement ceases, including eye movement, and all voluntary muscle function is lost—a state referred to as Totally Locked-in State (TLS).
In November 2010, at age 31, Masahiro (Hiro) Fujita, a planning director at McCann Erickson, was diagnosed with ALS. In March 2011 he transitioned to using a wheelchair; in January 2012 he began using a ventilator; and in January 2013, following a tracheotomy, he lost his voice—the essential tool for communication. Determined to find meaning in his diagnosis, he founded END ALS, a general incorporated association, in 2012 with the mission of raising awareness of ALS, establishing effective treatments, and advancing government medical policy reform.
Recognizing the profound impact on one of our valued colleagues, McCann Worldgroup companies have come together to apply our core expertise in communication to the fight against ALS. United in purpose, we are dedicating our professional capabilities to the eradication of this disease in honor of Masahiro Fujita, a dear friend and irreplaceable team member.
MAKE-A-WISH OF JAPAN
In October 2002, marking our company’s 100th anniversary, McCann Erickson’s global headquarters initiated social contribution activities across more than 100 countries worldwide. In Japan, we support the Public Interest Incorporated Association Make-A-Wish of Japan (MAWJ), dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children battling serious illnesses.
The Public Interest Incorporated Association Make-A-Wish of Japan (MAWJ) is the Japanese chapter of Make-A-Wish International, an international volunteer organization with the singular mission of granting the wishes of children ages 3 to 18 who are fighting serious illnesses. Working with volunteers, MAWJ identifies and fulfills these wishes, covering all costs of wish fulfillment. Over its history, the organization has realized approximately 3,900 wishes—including dreams such as “swim with wild dolphins,” “visit NASA,” and “see whales.”
The funds needed to grant these wishes come from donations by corporations, organizations, and individuals, as well as revenue from charity events and merchandise sales organized by MAWJ. In 2022, MAWJ celebrated its 30th anniversary in Japan. Our group was honored to support this milestone by providing newspaper and magazine advertisements, online advertising, and assistance with the MAWJ 30th Anniversary Celebration event on World Wish Day, April 29, 2022.
