Just last week a powerful earthquake struck southwestern China leading to terrible loss of life and leaving approximately 4.8 million people with homes that are severely damaged or completely destroyed.
The local Wrigley China team was quick to offer support last week with a RMB 1 million donation ($140,000) to the Red Cross Society of China which quickly mobilized to assist. On behalf of the global Wrigley team, the Wrigley Company Foundation also immediately provided an increased match of an additional RMB 1.5 million ($220,000) to the American Red Cross relief efforts in China and provided in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies which is leading the international appeal for assistance.
“On behalf of our Wrigley associates in China and around the world, and the Wrigley Company Foundation, I’d like to extend our deepest sympathies to the people affected by the earthquake disaster in Sichaun province,” said Duke Petrovich, Wrigley’s Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer who also serves as President of the Wrigley Company Foundation. “We hope that this grant will make a difference in helping people rebuild their lives.”
Also, in recognition of the generous spirit of the worldwide Wrigley team, the Foundation will double match all individual contributions made to the China relief efforts. The general matching contribution will be made to the Red Cross, and we will work with local country managers to request all international associate contribution data be reported back, so it can be recognized as part of this special global matching contribution.
Associates in the U.S. should continue to use the Foundation’s matching grant program, and all contributions made during the second quarter to any qualified organization supporting the earthquake relief efforts in China will not count toward your annual maximum.
We have also heard from associates who would like to provide a personal contribution directly to the over 50 Wrigley associates in China whose homes were destroyed or damaged. We are currently assessing the appropriate channel to provide such contributions and will send a follow-up communication shortly with further direction.
Additionally, the Wrigley Company Foundation has responded to a special appeal from UNICEF to support the emergency relief efforts in Myanmar. As you know, a powerful cyclone hit the country earlier this month resulting in devastating loss of life – and there is continued threat of disease and lack of basic necessities.
The Wrigley Company Foundation has provided a $100,000 emergency grant to support UNICEF – which is the lead agency on the ground for water, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, education and child protection and works in partnership with other UN agencies, international and national non-governmental organizations as well as the government of Myanmar.
We know that we are united in our care and concern for the victims of these natural disasters, and feel privileged to provide support on behalf of the worldwide Wrigley team.