Cross-posted from the U.S. Chamber Foundation's blog.
During times of disaster, the U.S. Chamber Foundation acts as the keeper of record for corporate giving through the Corporate Aid Tracker, which aims to help the public understand how the business community is responding as well as encourages others in the private sector to give.
From the scope of impact to the needs of the victims, every disaster is different, and the response efforts for Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and Maria are different, as well. Companies, including UPS, are tailoring their responses to each disaster to ensure they are supporting the communities in need. UPS is one of those companies to deliver support when areas needed it most.
In response to Hurricane Harvey, UPS Foundation pledged $1 million dollars to support immediate relief and recovery efforts across Texas and Louisiana, including many recipients of cash and in-kind assistance. The UPS Foundation also worked with FEMA, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army to assess long-term recovery needs.
Just days after Hurricane Harvey, UPS committed more than a $1 million through The UPS Foundation, in support of recovery efforts in the Caribbean, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma. The pledge was a combination of cash grants, in-kind transportation movements, and technical expertise to provide urgent relief, as well as support for long-term needs ranging from rebuilding to personal and financial recovery assistance.
UPS is using their logistical expertise and resources to support organizations in the relief and recovery efforts. In September, The UPS Foundation announced a partnership with the American Red Cross and drone manufacturer CyPhy Works, Inc. to launch a drone pilot program, marking the first time the American Red Cross will test using a tethered drone to assess damage after a major natural disaster in the United States.
UPS is also supporting organizations like Toolbank Disaster Services and Hewlett Packard Connection Spot Trailer to transport emergency response resources, and they’re utilizing their logistics expertise to move essential relief supplies to areas of need. They are also dividing their cash donation so that half can be used for immediate response and the other half will be used for long-term recovery.
Following the devastating impact from Hurricane Maria, UPS acted to support Puerto Rico, by flying two UPS Browntail air freighters to San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín Airport (SJU), delivering Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), under contract for FEMA. In support of needs in Cuba, and at the request of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UPS Airlines transported tarps, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, liquid containers, and shelter tool kits. IFRC staff and UPS employees unloaded the relief supplies.
Additionally, The UPS Foundation has helped in the recovery efforts in Mexico after the magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck. The company offered in-kind transportation of relief items, including shelters, and logistics support to CENACED, a nonprofit relief organization in Mexico helping in the recovery efforts.
This is just one of the hundreds of examples of the business communities’ commitment to helping communities impacted by recent disasters. The Corporate Aid Trackers will continue to be updated regularly to effectively capture the private sector’s impact. Businesses that are giving to the response efforts are encouraged to fill out this form to be included on the tracker.
