Numerous Minnesota companies are donating money, services, and products for relief efforts in the Philippines after “Typhoon Haiyan” violently swept through the country earlier this month.
Government officials report that the massive storm, with sustained winds of around 170 mph, caused 4,000 casualties, left 18,000 injured, and displaced millions from their homes.
Target Corporation, Medtronic, Carlson, General Mills, UnitedHealth Group, Pentair, U.S. Bank, and Hormel Foods, are among the Minnesota companies that have pledged to aid the recovery effort with monetary donations or other services.
Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group announced that its nonprofit foundation, along with its employees, committed more than $750,000 to fund Project Hope’s efforts to help the Philippines government. Project Hope, a charity based in Virginia, will deliver medical supplies and deploy teams of volunteer nurses and physicians to recovery sites throughout the country to administer critical medical care.
Golden Valley-based Pentair announced that it is working with Water Missions International, Action Against Hunger, and the American Red Cross to help provide funds and support for clean water to those affected by the typhoon.
Pentair said it, along with its partners, are deploying living water treatment systems—which provide emergency water filtration and treatment. The company contributed $200,000 to ensure the delivery of 20 of those systems within 48 hours of the emergency. Pentair also committed to match all donations up to $50,000 to Action Against Hunger, which will distribute emergency clean water and hygiene kits to impacted areas.
Golden Valley-based General Mills’ foundation donated $150,000 to disaster relief, funds that were distributed equally to humanitarian agency “CARE” and the Philippine Red Cross.
Both Minneapolis-based Target and Fridley-based Medtronic donated $100,000 to relief efforts. Target contributed to Save the Children and Medtronic donated to the Philippines Red Cross.
The Minnetonka-based hospitality company Carlson pledged $10,000 to the International Rescue Committee Typhoon Haiyan Fund and $10,000 to the American Red Cross Typhoon Appeal, through its nonprofit Carlson Family Foundation.
In addition, companies like Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank and Austin-based Hormel Foods both said they are matching their employees’ contributions to the Philippines relief efforts. Hormel also said it would donate various food products throughout the affected areas.
Minnesota companies have a history of providing support after natural disasters occur. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, for example, half a dozen Minnesota-based companies together pledged more than $1.25 million. And a number of Minnesota companies also donated money and services following the powerful tornado that swept through Moore, Oklahoma in May.
This article is reprinted in partnership with Twin Cities Business.
