DaimlerChrysler Aids Tornado Victims

Anthony Fontanelle
February 20, 2007

The second day of this month witnessed the ravaging effects of thunderstorms and tornadoes which struck central Florida. In the said catastrophe, fifteen fatalities are recorded - the toll of nature’s wrath is also evident in the number affected. Among the casualties of the disaster are homes, business establishments, and religious institutions which were completely destroyed. The calamity also left 20,000 residents without power and very limited access to food supplies.

In response to the needs of those people in need, DaimlerChrysler has extended a helping hand. Joining forces with America’s Second Harvest, the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund will be donating $50,000 through the non-profit organization. $25,000 worth of food supply and another $25,000 in cash will be their contribution to the humanitarian effort of Second Harvest. Second Harvest is a non-profit outfit which has a network of 200 food banks all over the United States. The organization serves every part of the United States especially during times and cases like this. Also, there are times when the efforts of Second Harvest sometimes even extend up to Puerto Rico. It is said to be the biggest charitable hunger-relief institution in America. Their aim is to keep in check the hunger problem on areas ravaged by disasters.

Frank Fountain, the Chrysler Group Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Public Policy and President of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund, have this to say about their effort to help the victims of the tragedy: “The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund has a history of being a ‘Good Neighbor and Good Citizen’ and helping communities in good times and bad”. “The donation to second harvest is an example of supporting communities where we live and do business,” Fountain added further.

He is referring to the Orlando Business Center and Parts Distribution Center which is of course located in Orlando, Florida. The centers supports Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge dealerships in Florida, they also offers support to dealerships in Alabama, Eastern Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The Orlando Business Center and PDC responded quickly when they got wind of the awful tragedy. Erwin Raphael, Chrysler Group Director for Retail Sales Promotion Southeast Business Center said that “with the assistance of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund we were able to coordinate this significant donation”.

The DaimlerChrysler Corporation fund has mobilized eight Dodge Rams to deliver the donations to Second Harvest. The convoy, which will be led by an escort from the Orlando Police Department, will also include a truck from Second Harvest. After the delivery of the donation, a check presentation will be held. The $25,000 in cash donated by the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund will be used by Second Harvest to buy additional products which will be used by different agencies which Second Harvest is helping.

Dave Krepcho, Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida stressed what the residents has gone through and what the organization is doing for the victims in his statement. “It only took a few moments for entire neighborhoods to be literally wiped off the map. The relief effort has now turned to recovery for these families.” Krepcho also commended the effort of DaimlerChrysler, saying that “this incredible support from the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund will help our organization play an important part in getting people on that long road back to normal”.

This effort on the part of DaimlerChrysler is a commendable one. Even if they are facing their toughest problem yet, they are still committed to helping those who are in needs. This move on the part of the giant carmaker though is not enough to serve as a brake in the problems faced by those who are affected by the ravaging tornadoes.

Source:  Amazines.com