HONG KONG, May 16, 2013— FedEx Corp. has traditionally reached out to assist with disasters that affect thousands across Asia Pacific and internationally. Now, FedEx has pledged RMB $1 Million (US $162,000) to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts in China after the devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Sichuan province of China on April 20. The earthquake displaced more than 230,000 people.
FedEx has been a loyal supporter of the American Red Cross for 18 years. This generous gift to help during the aftermath of the China Earthquake is in addition to the US $1.2 million of cash and in-kind transportation support that FedEx gives annually as a member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program.
Through support from generous donors like FedEx, the Red Cross Society of China has been carrying out extensive damage assessment and relief work in the affected areas. More than 20 Red Cross Society of China response teams have been conducting search and rescue activities, setting up tents, distributing food, clearing debris, providing first aid, and providing telecommunication facilities. Red Cross workers are assisting with medical care, medicine and relief supply distribution, rescue, tent set-up, psychological support, and help with restoring family links.
To meet critical needs, the American Red Cross is working closely with the Red Cross Society of China. The following has been distributed as of April 22:
- More than 10,600 family kits
- 2,000 blankets
- Nearly 2,600 tents
- 2,300 bottles of water
- 2,500 cartons of instant food
- More than 440 mattresses
“FedEx is proud to support the American Red Cross and their humanitarian relief work in Sichuan, China. By working with the American Red Cross, we believe we will be able to channel our assets and resources more effectively, and we hope that through this support, we are able to bring some relief to the victims in the affected area,” said David L. Cunningham, Jr., president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific.