NEW YORK — The nation’s three largest drug chains are supporting relief efforts in the Philippines in the wake of the devastating typhoon, Haiyan, that swept through the island nation last week, leaving thousands dead and communities destroyed.
 |
U.S. Marines help displaced Filipinos at Vilamor Air Base in Manila, capital of the Philippines. |
In response to the storm, also known as Typhoon Yolanda, Walgreen Co. said Thursday that it’s donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross to aid in the distribution of relief items, repair and rebuild shelters, provide health care and give access to clean water and sanitation systems for those impacted by the storm.
"With so many people in need, we want to lend support to those who’ve lost so much in this tragedy," John Gremer, Walgreens’ director of community affairs, said in a statement. "Thousands of people in the Philippines have been left without basic living needs, so we are supporting the American Red Cross to help bring aid to those who need it the most. Our thoughts go out to all of those impacted by this disaster."
On Wednesday, Rite Aid Corp. announced that The Rite Aid Foundation will donate $50,000 to the American Red Cross to help the victims, families and communities in the Philippines impacted by Typhoon Haiyan.
"Our hearts go out to the people and communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan," stated Rite Aid Foundation president Ken Martindale, who is president and chief operating officer of Rite Aid. "So many lives were forever changed as a result of this devastating tropical storm. The Rite Aid Foundation is proud to partner with the American Red Cross as their team provides critical services and support for the people of the Philippines in their time of need."
Roger Lowe, senior vice president, of communications for the American Red Cross, commented, "The generous support of The Rite Aid Foundation will help the Red Cross support people affected by Typhoon Haiyan, both in the emergency response and as people and communities work to rebuild their lives."
And earlier this week, on Tuesday, the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust said it’s donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross in support of relief efforts under way in the Philippines following the destructive typhoon, which has impacted an estimated 4.3 million people in 36 provinces. The potential total donation can climb up to $100,000 via the matching of CVS Caremark employee donations.
CVS Caremark added that it’s working with the Red Cross to establish a dedicated online donation portal for any of its 200,000 employees who want to contribute. The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust will match employee donations up to $50,000.
"We know support is critically important at this time given the large number of people affected and potential for further damage in the Vietnam Peninsula," stated Eileen Howard Boone, president of the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust. "We are providing support to the American Red Cross as it helps the Philippine Red Cross with disaster relief specialists and equipment, as well as family tracing services to help those that are trying to find missing loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of those across the region who have been impacted by this massive and devastating disaster."
