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– Support for humanitarian aid following Typhoon Haiyan
– €500,000 for the German Red Cross
– Works Council calls on employees to make donations
The Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft has decided to make a donation of €500,000 to the German Red Cross in support of humanitarian aid for the victims of the catastrophic Typhoon Haiyan. The funds are to benefit people on the devastated islands of the Philippines whose lives have been shattered by one of the most powerful tropical storms ever. The German Red Cross is providing inhabitants of the regions affected with food, drinking water, medicines and equipment such as tents and hygiene products.
The Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, stated: “We would like to play our part in ensuring that people whose existences have been endangered are helped as effectively as possible. Through this donation, Volkswagen wants to express its sympathy and support for those who have lost family members, friends or property.”
Dr. Rudolf Seiters, President of the German Red Cross, said: “We are very grateful to Volkswagen for this commitment. This donation will enable us to assist the people who have been affected. The typhoon victims in the Philippines urgently need any help they can receive. In total, four million people have lost their homes.” The German Red Cross has been represented in the Philippines since 2008 and was therefore able to provide assistance very rapidly.
In addition, the Group Works Council of Volkswagen has called upon all employees to make donations. The Chairman of the General and Group Works Council, Bernd Osterloh, said: “Following the devastating typhoon, people are in need. Everyone can help alleviate the suffering in the Philippines by making a donation.” Employees’ donations will be channeled to the charity terre des hommes, which is focusing on projects for the protection and support of children in need with the cooperation of local partner organizations and networks. Osterloh: “You need to be clear about the magnitude of the catastrophe. The number of people currently without a roof over their heads is equivalent to almost half the population of German cities with Volkswagen plants.”
In Germany, the Volkswagen Group and the German Red Cross agreed on a strategic partnership on the occasion of the humanitarian organization’s 150th anniversary. Together, the two partners are committed to generating enthusiasm for responsible action and to providing people with motivation for social commitment. In particular, the two parties want to strengthen the rescue service and volunteering.