UPS has teamed up with the American Red Cross to deliver 70 tonnes of food and relief supplies tocommunities affected by the earthquake and tsunami in American Samoa.
A UPS relief flight has delivered the first payload to assist the ongoing recovery efforts,with additional supplies scheduled to arrive in November by ocean freight, the company announced.
The shipments by UPS, which is a member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program of the AmericanRed Cross, are supporting the ongoing relief efforts of the Red Cross in American Samoa in theaftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that struck on September 29. When disaster strikes,the Red Cross mobilises volunteers and supplies into affected areas to shelter, feed and providemental health counselling to disaster victims and emergency personnel.
“Thanks to the generosity of our Annual Disaster Giving Program members, we are able tomobilise human and material resources at a moment’s notice to provide lifesaving services,” saidJeffrey Towers, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “These funds, coupled with thesupport of the American public, are critical during hurricane season and enable the Red Cross torush immediate relief to disaster victims before the first donation has been given.”
Since the Annual Disaster Giving Program’s inception in 1997, members have pledged donationsto the Red Cross in advance of major disasters to ensure an immediate response will meet the needsof people who are affected by disasters of all sizes, at no cost and regardless ofincome. This year’s members provided more than $20 million in funding for the Disaster ReliefFund.
“In addition to our annual contribution, one of the strengths UPS brings is using our networkto position needed supplies to support local recovery efforts,” said Ken Sternad, president of TheUPS Foundation. “By donating funds, coordinating volunteer activities and moving supplies, UPShas been able to help provide some relief to those in need.”
