Employees Give Generously to Haitian Earthquake Victims
On January 12, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, crippling the country economically, taking hundreds of thousands and lives and leaving more than a million homeless. Since then, Navistar and International® dealer employees have shown their support by donating nearly $18,000 to AmeriCares, $10,000 of which Navistar will match.
According to Karl Knecht, Navistar chose to partner with AmeriCares, a non-profit charity with deep roots in Haiti, because it has the sustainability to make a difference long-term and it has very low administrative overhead.
“AmeriCares has already committed $5 million in medical and humanitarian aid and has sent emergency response experts to Haiti,” Karl said. “Drawing on 25 years of disaster relief experience, their broad network of partner organizations and logistics expertise, AmeriCares will make sure our donations have an immediate impact.”
Diamond Companies, which operates several International truck dealerships, is one of the dealers that joined forces with Navistar to provide aid. Diamond Companies President and CEO Dick Sweebe pledged in a letter to his employees that Diamond Companies would also match their donations.
Navistar is also supporting the struggling nation with our products. According to Steve Waters, director, Sales and Distribution, Used Truck Organization, the company is preparing to donate more than $750,000 worth of trucks through our Used Truck Organization and Altec, a major International truck customer. The low-sulfur diesel fuel our current trucks use to operate is not available in Haiti, so we’re selecting used vehicles that will meet their needs.
“These vehicles will not only help move goods and supplies, they will also join in to clean up the country and restore power and communications,” Steve said. “Right now, we’re working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to get the equipment into the country and operational.”
In addition, next week, the company is donating an International® 4300 series truck to the non-profit organization, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). FMSC recruits volunteers to hand-pack meals specially formulated for hungry children. The organization then ships the meals to more than 60 countries around the world—including Haiti.
Make a tax-deductible contribution to AmeriCares. If you prefer to donate by phone, please call AmeriCares at 1-800-486-HELP (4357) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., EST. The organization also accepts checks mailed to:AmeriCares, 88 Hamilton Ave.,Stamford, CT USA 06902.
Please make checks payable to AmeriCares and indicate “Haiti fund” in the memo line.