AmazonSmile is the latest casualty of the company’s cost-cutting efforts.
On Wednesday, Amazon announced it was ending a program that donates a portion of purchases to charities of Amazon customers’ choice. “After nearly a decade, the program has not grown to generate the impact it originally hoped.With so many eligible organizations, over one million worldwide, Our ability to influence was often spread too thinly,” the announcement said.
Amazon announces plans to lay off more than 18,000 employees
When the economy is in trouble, expensive programs like AmazonSmile are often the first to hit the road. But under the leadership of new CEO Andy Jassy, Amazon has tightened purse strings across the company. Earlier this month, the company began the process of cutting his 18,000 jobs. This is the largest layoff round in the company’s history. In 2022, we implemented a hiring freeze, halted construction of new warehouses, and canceled experimental programs such as telemedicine services.
To support charities that have joined AmazonSmile, Amazon will provide donations based on the amount they earn during the three months of 2022. Charities will be able to receive donations through Amazon Smile until February 20, when the program officially ends.
Despite closing AmazonSmile, Amazon says it will “continue to pursue and invest in other areas where it can make a meaningful difference.”
