HOUSTON – A few months ago, U.S. Zinc adopted the International Zinc Association’s “Zinc Saves Kids” initiative, which helps provide vital supplements to undernourished children in developing countries who suffer from zinc-deficiency-related health problems. Now, U.S. Zinc’s internal “Zinc Saves Kids” fundraising campaign has caught the eye of its business partners.

After meeting with U.S. Zinc regarding the program, the American Galvanizers Association (AGA) has decided to share this prototype campaign with its members at AGA’s annual convention in the Bahamas in spring 2011. The purpose of the presentation is to urge their associates to adopt their own version of a “Zinc Saves Kids” program.

“Each year, more than 450,000 children under the age of five are at risk of dying due to zinc deficiency,” said Cilon Lage, Commercial Executive Vice President of U.S. Zinc. “The ‘Zinc Saves Kids’ program hits close to home for our industry, and we are honored that the AGA has chosen to present this campaign. It’s the first step in showing companies how easy it is to develop similar programs that will ultimately make zinc supplements more available to at-risk children and help save lives.”

U.S. Zinc’s parent company, Votorantim Metais, adopted the “Zinc Saves Kids” initiative in its South American locations earlier this year, asking employees to make donations. Recently, U.S. Zinc rolled out the campaign to all of its U.S. plants, agreeing to match all employee donations. The company also developed materials for any business looking to roll out its own “Zinc Saves Kids” fundraising program.