Mars US Teams Activate to Support People and Pets Impacted by Devastating Tornadoes in Southern and Midwestern States
Mars U.S. business teams respond with in-kind and cash donation, including $60,000 for American Red Cross Relief and more than $110,000 in food for people and pets.
In a quick response to the devastating tornadoes that ripped across several southern and midwestern states, one of the most severe tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, Mars teams across the country are responding with much needed relief for people and pets.
“We are thankful that our Mars Associates in these areas are safe. However, the severity of the tornados has impacted many of their families and friends along with thousands of others,” said Anton Vincent, President, Mars Wrigley North America and One Mars executive sponsor. “I am particularly proud of the collective response of our U.S. businesses who quickly assembled to provide much needed support with cash and product donations directly to where it is needed most.”
Mars Wrigley, Food, Pet Nutrition, Mars Global Services, Royal Canin, and Vet Health teams at Banfield, Blue Pearl and VCA are banding together to offer relief through a $60,000 cash donation to the American Red Cross. Additionally, teams have worked to gather more than $110,000 worth of much needed product donations to help people and pets in the most impacted communities — areas where many Mars Associates, family members and friends live and work.
“Thanks to the generous support from Mars, the American Red Cross, alongside our partners, is able to shelter and support families who experienced the devastating tornado outbreak across the South and Midwest,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the Red Cross. “We are grateful for partners like Mars as we work together to provide comfort and hope to people when they need it most this holiday season.”
In addition to the donation to the American Red Cross, Mars US teams are providing the following:
· Mars Petcare is working through our partners at Greater Good, to facilitate the donation of more than $110,000 of pet food, including CESAR® , PEDIGREE® and ROYAL CANIN® to affected Kentucky shelters.
· Mars Wrigley is also working with Greater Good to donate food to people in the impacted areas. The Mars Wrigley Cleveland site has donated 18 pallets of products including M&M’S®, TWIX® and LIFESAVERS® as well as multiple pallets of nonperishable food and water to Feeding America Kentucky Heartland.
· PEDIGREE Foundation is working with Kentucky Humane Society to disperse $20,000 in emergency disaster relief funds to shelters throughout heavily impacted areas in Kentucky including a shelter in the city of Mayfield, one of the communities hit hardest by the tornado.
· Banfield Foundation and VCA Charities opened Disaster Response Grants available to nonprofit partners to assist pets in need. Banfield Foundation and VCA Charities are currently working with two shelters to disperse grants. Both Disaster Response Grant programs provide financial support to nonprofit animal organizations and local/state government agencies in impacted communities to provide veterinary care and additional resources for pets in need.
· Mars Better Together Fund is designed to give back to Mars Associates and communities during times of crisis. This important resource provides emergency funding to Banfield, Blue Pearl and VCA Associates in times of crisis.
“This a true reflection of the Mars Purpose in action and seeing our US segments working together to provide support to the communities we serve should make us all incredibly proud to be a Martian,” said Anton Vincent, President, Mars Wrigley North America.
