FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) has committed approximately US$1 million in cash and transportation support to deliver emergency supplies and critical medical aid to the thousands of migrants and refugees arriving in Europe, and provide ongoing assistance to both the people and the local communities affected by the crisis.
“FedEx has been closely following the increasingly serious migrant crisis in Europe,” said Karen Reddington, president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific. “As a global express logistics provider, we are uniquely positioned to provide humanitarian assistance wherever it is needed, whether that means helping migrants to rebuild lives in Europe or providing aid to earthquake victims in Nepal. FedEx stands ready to work alongside NGOs and utilize our operational strength to help address the social needs in our communities.”
Time is of the essence when it comes to providing help, and FedEx is mobilizing its humanitarian relief program through a donation of US$1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The company will also use existing relationships with international organizations, including Direct Relief and Heart to Heart International, working closely with local partners in the most affected countries.
Through the company’s monetary and transportation contribution, FedEx will deliver immediate relief and longer term support for those affected by the crisis. Specific contributions include:
- Providing a US$1 million cash donation to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in response to its international appeal for assistance in European countries including Italy, Greece, Serbia, Hungary and Macedonia.
- Transporting on behalf of Heart to Heart large volumes of essential hygiene kits for use on the ground by International Medical Corps in providing emergency healthcare to refugees in Greece.
- Transporting on behalf of Direct Relief large volumes of medical supplies for use in refugee camps in Turkey providing shelter for Syrian refugees.
- Through ongoing cash donations to the American Red Cross and its Annual Disaster Giving Program, supporting the work of local branches in Europe.
FedEx will also provide “bags to the future” for the youngest refugees affected by this crisis. Each bag contains toys and other items to help children adapt to their new environment. These are made possible through FedEx employee donations.