5 Examples of Corporate Disaster Relief

By Alexis Caffrey

Companies do more than provide products for your lifestyle and for your home. They’re out in local and worldwide communities, providing relief from natural disasters that devastate thousands. Here are five examples of companies donating in times of global disaster.

AT&T waives fees following Typhoon Haiyan

In times of disaster, a phone call or text from a loved one can be the greatest relief. AT&T was one of the few phone service providers that made this possible for many. Following Typhoon Haiyan, AT&T customers were able to make calls and texts to the Philippines at no extra cost.

Wireless customers received unlimited texts and calls for almost an entire month, until the end of November. Landline and U-verse customers were given 60 minutes of calling to family and friends in the Philippines.

Hearing the voice of a safe loved one may have been the greatest gift to many AT&T customers this November.

Verizon gave service, money and products after Hurricane Sandy

The Verizon Foundation provided $100,000 to aid businesses in Seaside Heights, NJ. However, the company provided more than just its money for Hurricane Sandy relief. More than 160 employees, including many senior leaders, volunteered their time to clean up and rebuild an elementary school devastated by the storm.

The telco also decided to replace copper wires on Fire Island, NY with its fiber-optic network, Verizon FiOS. In total, more than $6 million was given to rebuilding efforts and relief from the superstorm by Verizon employees, customers and the Verizon foundation.

Tide employees bring the Laundromat where help is needed

Nobody understands the importance of fresh, clean, dry laundry more than Tide. The company helps out with its Loads of Hope program. When towns have been affected by natural disasters, Tide employees roll out their mobile Laundromats and do residents’ laundry for free. Multiple days are spent washing, drying and folding clothes for those who need it most.

Consumers can also give back by purchasing a vintage Tide t-shirt. The profits go back to the communities devastated by disaster.

So far, more than 58,000 loads of laundry have been done by Tide employees. The energy-efficient washers and dryers have been to Colorado after the floods, to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, to San Diego after major wildfires and to many other locations.

Dell teamed up with HP and Microsoft to donate its products in Japan after Fukishima

Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Dell and Hewlett-Packard teamed up to help with communication efforts. 250 laptops and extra long-lasting batteries were shipped to the country.

Dell also donated 100 laptops to be used with Microsoft’s free mobile connection to provide volunteer centers with Internet access.

Employees also volunteered their time. They travelled to Japan to clean the streets and mud-filled gutters. They also provided more than 1,000 backpacks filled with supplies and books to elementary school children.

Procter & Gamble provides products every disaster victim needs

Following Hurricane Isaac, P&G responded to New Orleans and its surrounding communities. Most importantly, they gave out P&G Purifier of Water packets, which turn unsafe water into drinking water in under 30 minutes. The company also gave out batteries and personal hygiene products, from their most popular brands – such as Pantene and Pampers.

This isn’t the only location that P&G has responded to with help. Similar donations were given to Hurricane Sandy victims, Assam Flood victims in India, earthquake victims in Guatemala and more. The company is donating its products to homes throughout the world.

Alexis Caffrey is a freelance writer with a focus on technology, new media, and design. You can reach Alexis on Twitter @alexiscaffrey or alexiscaffrey.com

[Image credits: Fotokon KiKi, Flickr]