Employees from Siemens’ 15 major operating companies in the United States donated $1.4 million to aid victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the company matched those donations dollar-for-dollar, resulting in a $2.8 million donation to the American Red Cross.
“We are extremely thankful to Siemens and their 70,000 U.S. employees for responding so quickly and so generously with critical supplies and financial support to help ease the pain of those in the Gulf Coast region,” says Marty Evans, president and CEO of the American Red Cross.
Siemens is continuing its deployment of critical infrastructure equipment, including power generators to hospitals in Houston and Louisiana, telecommunications equipment to emergency centers and key hubs, and USFilter water treatment equipment to the Gulf Coast areas. The company also is sending heart monitors and imaging equipment to Houston area hospitals, and Siemens employees are initiating grassroots efforts to offer supplies where needed.
“Siemens employees join the rest of the nation in our concern and sympathy for those who are experiencing such uncertainty and loss from the ongoing hurricanes,” says George Nolen, Siemens CEO and president. “While the Southeast coast continues to be hit by devastating hurricanes and storms, Siemens is prepared to continue assisting with the relief efforts and ultimately the rebuilding of communities in the South. Our thoughts and prayers will be with our colleagues and their neighbors in the weeks and months ahead.”
Siemens has more than 2,500 employees in the affected areas. The company initiated a blog and hotline for affected employees to call in if they need housing, supplies, clothing and other essentials. In addition, Siemens is working with the Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to determine what other products, services and manpower is needed to assist with relief efforts.
