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AUBURN HILLS, Mich., FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., and MONTVALE, N.J., Sept 01, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via AP/
Chrysler Group's philanthropic arm, the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund, along with DaimlerChrysler Services, Mercedes-Benz USA, and Freightliner, today announced a joint commitment of $1.1 million in response to Hurricane Katrina's devastation bringing raging winds and flooding to Gulf Coast areas. The funds will be utilized to provide emergency shelter, food, water, supplies and other critical assistance to the areas affected by America's worst natural disaster in more than 100 years.
"We've all been stunned by the horrible aftermath of Hurricane Katrina," stated Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group President and CEO. "Many in the DaimlerChrysler family or their loved ones have been directly affected, which is why we understand the importance of working together in times of need. We hope this contribution can help rebuild those devastated communities."
The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund will make $500,000 available to recovery efforts, with $150,000 being allocated immediately to the American Red Cross, and $200,000 to local charities. The Fund is currently selecting local charities that are engaged in humanitarian relief efforts in the Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama areas to disburse the funding support.
An additional $150,000 also is available to match gifts made by employees, dealers, and retirees to aid the American Red Cross relief efforts.
DaimlerChrysler Services will make a donation to the American Red Cross of $200,000, with an additional $50,000 employee match. Mercedes-Benz USA will make a donation of $250,000 to the American Red Cross. And Freightliner, part of DaimlerChrysler's commercial vehicle division, will make a donation of $100,000 to the American Red Cross. All American Red Cross donations are effective immediately.
"Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on our communities in the South," said Klaus Entenmann, President and CEO -- DaimlerChrysler Services Americas. "In the face of human tragedy, we join the growing community of the compassionate by contributing to the overall relief efforts."
In support of the relief effort, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) will make a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross. Additionally, MBUSA will match employees' contributions. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., MBUSA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. Through its philanthropic program, MBUSA supports organizations oriented around educating and empowering future generations, particularly those who are underserved.
In addition, DaimlerChrysler Services is offering special relief to Chrysler Financial and Mercedes-Benz Credit customers, including:
Also, various DaimlerChrysler business units are doing their part to support the relief efforts. In the State of Alabama, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) is working with the West Alabama Red Cross to respond to the thousands of storm evacuees fleeing the Gulf Coast into West Alabama.
MBUSI has agreed to work with the Red Cross to convert part of the plant's training center into a temporary emergency shelter for storm evacuees who are fleeing the Gulf Coast. The Red Cross will manage and operate the shelter, which opens on Friday, September 2.
And MBUSI Team Members, the company's suppliers and the local community are working to collect personal items for evacuees and for supplies to be used at the shelter. MBUSI also plans to make local donations and match Team Member donations.
The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is the primary source of charitable grants made by DaimlerChrysler Corporation. Now in its 53rd year, the Fund annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations throughout the United States and, increasingly, around the world.
SOURCE Chrysler Group
Curtrise Garner of Chrysler Group, cell: +1-248-761-8309, cg61@daimlerchrysler.com ; or Stephan Koller of DaimlerChrysler Services, +1-248-202-1707, sk98@dcx.com
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