US companies have contributed millions of dollars towards disaster
relief efforts after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in the
states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
One of the biggest donors has been Wal-Mart, the world’s largest
retailer, which pledged $17million (£9.3m). It has also set up
temporary stores in areas hit by the hurricane and provided goods such
as free clothing, food, bedding and water to victims.
Other significant cash contributions have been made by Freddie Mac
($10.1m), General Electric ($6m), Starbucks ($5m over five years),
Coca-Cola ($5m), Honda ($5m), Toyota ($5m), Walt Disney ($2.5m), Abbott
($2m) and Bayer ($2m).
As one of the biggest employers in the affected region, the oil
industry was also quick to respond. Donations included $7m by
ExxonMobil, $5m by ChevronTexaco, $3m by ConocoPhillips and $2m by
Shell Oil. Amerada Hess, the BP Foundation and Occidental Petroleum all
offered $1m.
The Chronicle of philanthropy, a publication on giving for the
non-profit sector, said private sector contributions had reached $229m
in the two weeks after the disaster, representing almost a third of
total donations, which were estimated at $739m. By comparison, US
charities collected $1.3billion and $2.2bn in response to the tsunami
and September 11 attacks.
In-kind gifts, whereby businesses give products or services, have been
significant. The broadcast company, Comcast, for example, offered $10m
worth of advertising time for public service announcements. Unilever
topped up its $1m cash donation with products worth $1.6m.
