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US UPS company donates $2m to earthquake relief
By Asim Hussain
ISLAMABAD—American company UPS (United Parcel Service) has announced $2
million donation to support relief and recovery efforts for the victims
of the devastating earthquake that struck parts of Pakistan on October
8.
The $2 million donation by UPS will include $1 million in cash and up to
$1 million of in-kind services for the shipment of medical and
health-related items to the region. The cash contribution will be
provided to the South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund, which will oversee
its allocation to other organizations providing humanitarian relief and
assisting with long-term rebuilding activities.
Former UPS Chairman and CEO Jim Kelly recently returned from a trip to
Pakistan in his role as a director of the South Asia Earthquake Relief
Fund as part of a Presidential delegation led by U.S. Under Secretary of
State for Public Diplomacy Karen Hughes. Kelly is one of five corporate
executives named by President George W. Bush to lead a nationwide effort
to raise awareness and resources to help those in need as a result of
the disaster. The other executives include the chairmen of Citigroup,
GE, Pfizer and Xerox.
"I'm proud UPS stepped up to the plate and provided this significant
support. And yet, we still have a great challenge ahead of us in
generating contributions from individuals and companies to address this
terrible tragedy," said Kelly. "To date, corporations have committed
more than $45 million in funds and in-kind donations. My partner CEO's
and I will continue our work on behalf of the White House to reach our
$100 million goal by the end of January." Current UPS Chairman and CEO
Mike Eskew notes that, "The global business community is being called on
to support the on-going relief efforts and UPS wants to do its part to
help." The earthquake has claimed more than 80,000 lives and left
millions more without basic supplies, medical treatment or shelter.
Donations provided by The UPS Foundation will help meet urgent needs for
housing, personal care items, food, water and emergency shelter. UPS
will provide its in-kind assistance to efforts being coordinated by
official relief agencies to move supplies into Pakistan. To contribute
to the South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund, please visit South Asia
Earthquake Relief https://www.southasiaearthquakerelief.org and click on
"donate now."
Founded in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation identifies
specific areas where its support will clearly impact social issues. The
UPS Foundation's major initiatives currently include programs that
support increased global volunteerism, literacy and hunger relief. In
2004, The UPS Foundation donated more than $39.9 million to charitable
organizations worldwide. Visit community.ups.com http://www.community.ups.com
for more information about UPS's community involvement. UPS is the
world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply
chain services, offering an extensive range of options for synchronizing
the movement of goods, information and funds. Headquartered in Atlanta,
Ga., UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. |