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For information about other companies donating to the disaster relief effort click here: Disaster Clean Up Efforts Supported With Equipment From Landscape Equipment Companies. For more information about how the attacks directly affected members of the green industry click here: Industry Reactions And Implications From The Attack On America. |
NEW YORK and WASHINGTON - Following the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, several companies and organizations with landscape industry ties have donated equipment, materials and money to the disaster cleanup and relief efforts. Companies making donations include:
HUSQVARNA. Husqvarna donated power cutters to fire, police and rescue teams assisting in the recovery efforts, as well as hundreds of pairs of Husqvarna work gloves, safety glasses, ear protection and more than 1,000 rain ponchos.
"I think everyone in America is asking themselves what they can do to help," said Dave Zerfoss, president of Husqvarna North America. "By putting additional equipment in the hands of skilled workers they can put more crews to work and hopefully speed up the recovery process."
Husqvarna North America worked in conjunction with United Rental located just outside the city to facilitate the process and get the power cutters and safety gear into the hands of the right people quickly.
In addition, Husqvarna employees launched a collection effort for the American Red Cross, and the company pledged to match employee donations. To date, a total of $4,500 has been raised to aid victims, their families and the clean up efforts.
"Quick action, big hearts, pride and patriotism all contribute to the giving during this tragic time in our history," added Zerfoss.
TEXTRON. Textron Inc. gave $100,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to benefit victims and their families. Additionally, donations of equipment were provided by several Textron divisions, including E-Z-GO, Cushman and OmniQuip.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones," said Gregory Hyland, chairman and CEO of Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products. "In America, it's no longer business as usual. The business community has rallied to a higher cause."
Immediately following the terrorist attack, OmniQuip and E-Z-GO loaned $1 million worth of light construction and transportation equipment to the New York City Fire Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Cushman sent 12 Trucksters to the New York City Police Department.
Lewis Campbell, chairman and CEO of Textron, said employees from every corner of the company pitched in to aid the relief effort. "We have all been touched by this unthinkable tragedy in various personal ways," Campbell said. "Thankfully, no Textron employee was injured or killed."
Joining a nationwide movement, many Textron divisions organized employee blood drives and set up payroll deduction plans as a way to contribute financially. Campbell thanked employees for the outpouring of support. "I am proud, as all of you should be, of being part of such a caring organization," he said.
BASF. BASF Corp. has established an employee contribution fund to aid the families of the police, fire and emergency medical service workers who lost their lives while responding to the World Trade Center terrorist attack.
The proceeds of the BASF Corporation 911 Fund will be donated to a list of organizations that will benefit the families of those who gave their lives while trying to help others during the tragedy. The company will also match all employee donations.
"BASF employees have a long history of responding to communities in need," said Peter Oakley, BASF Chairman and CEO. "The 911 Fund provides an avenue for them to assist the people who have been gravely and personally affected by the tragic events of this week."
SYNGENTA. Syngenta will donate $200,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to meet immediate needs in both New York City and Washington, D.C.
"We are shocked and saddened by the horrific events of the last week," said Robert Woods, chairman of Syngenta. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. We hope that this donation can in some small way help address the pressing needs of people in affected areas," he added.
Syngenta is encouraging its employees to make individual donations to their local chapters of the American Red Cross, the Blood Bank and United Way, all of which have organized disaster relief efforts. Many Syngenta locations across the nation are coordinating blood drives and other efforts in cooperation with local agencies.
KOMATSU. Komatsu, along with three local distributors, Edward Ehrbar Inc., Binder Machinery Co. and Furnival Machinery Co., and allied suppliers are assisting at various disaster sites and providing equipment to help clear the site.
Komatsu has shipped two material handlers and three tight tail-swing excavators to New York City. The company and its distributors are working with contractors involved in the rescue and clean up efforts to ensure that the right machines, attachments and support are available.
Additionally, Komatsu is encouraging employee volunteerism and is matching monetary contributions to the American Red Cross.
PLCAA. The Professional Lawn Care Association of America has made a monetary contribution on behalf of its members to the American Red Cross as part of the American Society of Association Executive's (ASAE) Red Cross Relief Campaign. PLCAA is a member of ASAE.
"PLCAA joins the nation in sending our sympathies and prayers to the victims and their families of these senseless acts of terrorism on our country," said PLCAA Executive Vice President Tom Delaney. "Like you, I am shocked and saddened by this cowardly act that has taken innocent lives and threatened freedom."