GM Contributes to Earthquake Relief Efforts in Peru and Chile Automaker uses the Internet to Provide Assistance
FOR RELEASE: June 26, 2001GM Contributes to Earthquake Relief Efforts in Peru and Chile Automaker uses the Internet to Provide Assistance
Detroit, MI - General Motors announced today a contribution of $25,000 to aid in the earthquake relief efforts in Peru and Chile. The most affected city in Chile was Arica, where the quake measured a magnitude of 8.2 on the Richter scale. GM manufacturing operations in Arica suffered some structural damage but no injuries were reported. The quake downed houses and temporarily cut the city's electricity supply and telephone network, according to Chile's National Office for Emergencies. The quake affected Peru and Bolivia as well.
GM will use GM Global Aid, its innovative Internet site, to provide up-to-the-minute news and information on the relief efforts. The mission of GM Global Aid is to allow GM employees and the public at large to provide immediate assistance when disaster strikes any place in the world. Visitors to the site may make monetary contributions to disaster relief organizations. GM employees may also access GM Global Aid through the GM Web site, www.gm.com.
"General Motors has a long-standing history of reaching out to communities in times of disaster," said Rod Gillum, GM vice president for Corporate Relations and Diversity and chairman of the GM Foundation. "I would encourage the public, especially the men and women of General Motors, to take a few moments to log on to the Internet and join in the humanitarian efforts to assist those who have lost so much."
"At GM Chile we are working to support the Arica community and are grateful for the solidarity demonstrated by the global GM family in this time of need," said Nicholas Wsevolojskoy, managing director, GM Chile and GM Peru.
GM employees who make contributions to the earthquake relief efforts will have their dollars matched for a period of 30 days. Donations are securely taken, processed and distributed through some of the leading charitable organizations in the world, including the International Red Cross, United Way International, CARE and others. GM Global Aid can be found at www.gm.com. (click on "GMAbility / Philanthropy / GM Global Aid").
GM Global Aid will mobilize the resources of the entire GM organization, particularly the low-interest financing capabilities of the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) and the regional vehicle distribution expertise of the Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing organization (VSSM). These resources will be of particular importance in areas where shelter and transportation are needed as a direct result of the disaster.
Since GM Global Aid was introduced in October 2000, GM has contributed over $225,000 to relief efforts in Alabama, El Salvador, India, and Mississippi. Earlier this month, GM contributed $25,000 to flood relief efforts in southeastern Texas.
Gillum adds, "GM employees have consistently responded to requests for donations and volunteer time when disaster strikes or when there is a need for help. In addition, the Foundation has responded to disasters that affect the GM family worldwide. We are proud to be able to provide some measure of assistance."