GM Foundation hands $100,000 to American Red Cross for ‘Yolanda’ efforts

DETROIT – The General Motors Foundation is providing a $100,000 grant to the Red Cross to aid emergency management officials with relief efforts in the Philippines devastated by Typhoon Haiyan. Funds will provide shelter, meals and supplies for people and families in need, and will help the organization prepare for and respond to future emergencies.

While headquartered in Detroit, GM has a significant global presence, including operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

“With so many families and communities impacted by this devastating typhoon, it’s important to GM to help them in this time of great need,” said GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard. “We extend our condolences to those affected, and we hope that partnering with the Red Cross will help provide some comfort during these difficult times.”

In addition, Chevrolet Philippines and GM Southeast Asia are giving the Philippines Red Cross a Colorado pickup to help it with its humanitarian efforts in the country.

Gustavo Colossi, GM South East Asia Operations Vice President, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, Albert B. Arcilla, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Philippines - The Covenant Car Company Inc, Selene L. Yu, Executive Director, Chevrolet Philippines - The Covenant Car Company Inc. and Richard L. Lee, Chairman Emeritus, Chevrolet Philippines – The Covenant Car Company Inc.  today handed the keys of the Chevrolet Colorado to Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon.

“We wanted to help our friends and neighbors in the Philippines,” said Colossi. “We hope our donation will provide much-needed relief to those affected by the typhoon.”

Since 2004, the GM Foundation has provided approximately $9.7 million to global disaster relief efforts. Included in this amount is $7.5 million in financial support to the Red Cross to help communities prepare and respond in the event of emergency situations. Additionally, GM employees across the country have donated hundreds of volunteer hours collecting and distributing emergency supplies and providing manpower where needed.

The GM Foundation is already a $250,000 member of the Disaster Responder Program that helps to ensure that the American Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have funds on hand to provide immediate relief when disaster strikes globally.

Anyone interested in providing support to the disaster relief efforts can visit www.redcross.org for more information or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).