Pledge of Ongoing Support Enables Red Cross to Prepare for and Respond to Disasters
Chicago, IL (June 24, 2020) — Today the American Red Cross is recognizing CNA, one of the largest U.S. commercial property and casualty insurance companies, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, for supporting Red Cross Disaster Relief through the Disaster Responder Program with a pledge of $250,000. Thanks to contributions in advance of disasters, the Red Cross is prepared to help meet the needs of people affected by disasters big and small, anytime and anywhere across the U.S.
Disaster Responder members—along with their employees and customers—pledge financial and in-kind donations in advance of disasters, powering the Red Cross with strong infrastructure, trained volunteers, innovative technology and critical resources necessary to provide relief and support to those in crisis. These annual contributions allow the Red Cross to respond whenever and wherever disasters occur, help families during the recovery process and prepare people for future emergencies.
Forward-thinking contributions from Disaster Responder Program members like CNA also ensured the Red Cross had the means to be ready to quickly pivot operations in the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, creating new protocols to help keep local communities and our workforce safe in this rapidly developing environment.
“Every day in the face of disasters, the generosity of Disaster Responder members like CNA ensures the Red Cross can provide comfort and care to people in their darkest hours,” said Don Herring, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are extremely grateful for these contributions before disasters strike because it enables us to respond to disasters immediately and compassionately, when help and hope are needed most.”
While large disasters like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and wildfires typically draw national attention, each year, the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters across the country—the majority of which are home fires. Generous contributions from Disaster Responder members enable the Red Cross to provide services to people in need of assistance at no cost and regardless of income.
And thanks to Disaster Responder members, Red Cross volunteers are also in their local communities every day, conducting disaster preparedness presentations and giving people the reassurance and confidence to face crises of all kinds.
“At CNA, we recognize that while you can’t eliminate the possibility of disruptions, you can help prepare for them,” said Brandon Davis, Director of Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility for CNA. “CNA is proud to support the preparedness efforts of the American Red Cross, ensuring that help and support is readily available to people impacted by disasters.”
Individuals can help people affected by disasters big and small by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donations to Disaster Relief enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.