UPS has committed $1.5 million (€1.2 million) in cash and in-kind transport to support reliefefforts following the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy that hit the northeast corridor of the
United States last week.The move follows a similar donation by FedEx last week which provided $1.2 million (€0.9million) in cash and in-kind transport for the victims of the hurricane.
UPS’s financial and in-kind contribution consists of a $250,000 grant to the American Red Crossto help with the sheltering needs of the victims of Sandy, $250,000 in logistical aid for urgentresponse and an additional $1 million in cash and in-kind support to a variety of relieforganisations throughout 2013 to assist in the long-term recovery of communities affected by thestorm.
UPS said it has been in daily contact with Red Cross staff since Sandy began to sweep across thenortheast to assess the areas affected the most and establish a schedule for the delivery of urgentshelter support and relief supplies. It also has been working with the Red Cross to strengthen itssupply chain network in the affected zones. This week, the company will deliver 14 truckloads ofrelief supplies into some of the most heavily impacted areas in New York and New Jersey.
As a leading member of the American Red Cross’s Annual Disaster Giving Programme, UPScontributed $800,000 in support earlier this year to help the organisation respond to the nearly70,000 disasters that occur throughout the year. Before the 2012 hurricane season began, UPSalready provided shelter support trailers to Red Cross, which the Red Cross began mobilisingimmediately after Sandy passed through the region.
“UPS has a long history of working with disaster relief organisations to deliver urgent,life-saving aid to communities in need around the world,” Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPSFoundation said. “The victims of Sandy are facing many challenges and UPS is committed to helpingthem get back on their feet by donating financial and logistical support to the American Red Crossand other organisations that will be providing assistance in the days, weeks and months ahead.”
Meanwhile, all UPS parcel, freight and logistics operations have been resumed with UPS employeesin the region doing their utmost to provide service to the affected areas, although many businessesremain closed and some locations are inaccessible. Despite the difficult conditions in some areas,UPS drivers try to deliver wherever safety allows.
“The determination and caring spirit of UPSers has never been more evident,” Scott Davis, UPSchairman and CEO said. “The UPS team has answered the call and everyone involved is going above andbeyond to bring relief and hope to those impacted by the storm.”
