9.10.2007 - 10:00am ET

(CSRwire) CAMBRIDGE, MA. - September 10, 2007 - Genzyme Corporation today announced that it awarded more than $85,000 in community grants and sponsorships in the third quarter of this year to support 11 non-profit organizations located in areas throughout the United States where Genzyme has operations. The grants are designed to further science education and access to health programs and are consistent with Genzyme's commitment to encouraging innovation in science and addressing areas of unmet medical need.

A Commitment to the Future of Biotechnology

"Through the grants that we awarded this quarter, Genzyme continues to strengthen many of its longstanding partnerships with organizations like MobileLab, a program that is changing the landscape of science education by bringing a lab environment on the road to students across Massachusetts," said Judy Ozbun, associate director of community affairs at Genzyme.

Genzyme contributed $30,000 to the Boston University School of Medicine MobileLab project. The company has been a long-time supporter of this biotechnology-learning laboratory which seeks to provide equal learning opportunities to all students. The MobileLab program provides science teachers with the equipment, supplies and staff support required to implement hands on, inquiry-based laboratory investigations. These labs are performed at either Boston University School of Medicine or aboard MobileLab's 40-foot fully equipped mobile laboratory.

Supporting the Whole Patient

Genzyme provided $10,000 in support of the Wellness Program at the Center for Cancer Support & Education (CCSE) to assist cancer patients, their caregivers and loved ones. The Wellness Program teaches patients how to increase their own healing capabilities through a variety of different strategies including meditation, movement and relaxation techniques. The Wellness Program also educates medical professionals so that they can incorporate these techniques into their medical protocols. Genzyme also contributed $10,000 to the Hearts and Noses Clown Troupe whose mission is to support hospitalized children who are ill and disabled by making bedside hospital clown visits that alleviate fear and stress. The clowns seek to promote healing and joy for children with cancer, physical disabilities, AIDS and sickle cell anemia. Two years ago, Genzyme helped the Hearts and Noses program get its start at Boston Medical Center and now the program has expanded to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Franciscan Hospital for Children. The Troupe has visited more than 27,000 children in the Greater Boston area.

"Our primary commitment at Genzyme is making lifesaving biotechnology products yet we recognize the need to treat the whole patient," said Ozbun. "We are proud to fund innovative programs like these that really make a difference in our community."

Encouraging Health and Wellness for Underserved Populations

There are many underserved populations in the Boston area that benefit from non-profit organizations that promote healthy living. This quarter, Genzyme provided $10,000 to the Crittenton Women's Union Healthy Families Program, This program provides education and support to first-time mothers under age 21 and their children regarding health, nutrition and parenting skills. Home visits are offered to ensure that the mother is meeting both her own and her child's basic needs and also to offer information about programs and services that are available to the family.

Genzyme also provided grants to the following health and wellness programs:

A $2,000 grant to support free medical escort services to low-income elders through the Somerville- Cambridge Elder Services. This program helps elders maintain their independence by ensuring they have access to appropriate medical care.

Employee-Directed Volunteer Efforts

In addition to the community grants, Genzyme awarded more than $47,000 in the third quarter of this year to 24 organizations globally as part of its G.I.V.E (Genzyme Invests in Volunteer Efforts) program. G.I.V.E. was created 7 years ago to encourage employee-directed volunteer efforts. During this time, Genzyme has supported more than 200 organizations through this program. The unrestricted grants range between $1,000 and $10,000, and are awarded to eligible charitable organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and March of Dimes for which teams of Genzyme employees volunteer. Since 2002, Genzyme has contributed nearly $85,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Over the past five years, Genzyme participants across five states have also raised nearly $70,000 for the March of Dimes. Many Genzyme employees also offer their time by serving on the boards of local non-profit companies.

Charitable organizations located in towns and cities worldwide in which Genzyme has operations are encouraged to apply for financial assistance through Genzyme Community Relations. More information about Genzyme’s community investments, including how to apply for funding or request volunteers, is available on the website at http://www.genzyme.com/commitment/commitment_home.asp

About Genzyme

One of the world's leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. Since 1981, the company has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with more than 9,500 employees in locations spanning the globe and 2006 revenues of $3.2 billion. In 2007, Genzyme was chosen to receive the National Medal of Technology, the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States for technological innovation. In 2006 and 2007, Genzyme was selected by FORTUNE as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for" in the United States.

With many established products and services helping patients in nearly 90 countries, Genzyme is a leader in the effort to develop and apply the most advanced technologies in the life sciences. The company's products and services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopaedics, cancer, transplant, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme's commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as immune disease, infectious disease, and other areas of unmet medical need.

Genzyme's press releases and other company information are available at www.genzyme.com and by calling Genzyme's investor information line at 1-800-905-4369 within the United States or 1-678-999-4572 outside the United States.

For more information please contact:

Sarah Millerick, Corporate Communications Specialist
Genzyme
(617) 768-6438
www.genzyme.com

For more CSR news and information from this organization:

Corporate Social Responsibility Profile for Genzyme Corporation

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