New York, NY (October 5, 2022) – As the New York metropolitan area faces more frequent and intense weather events, climate change is at the forefront for many New Yorkers. September is National Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross Greater New York Region urges everyone to be ready for these emergencies.
To promote awareness of National Preparedness Month, volunteers from Wells Fargo teamed up with the American Red Cross at Hudson Yards on Thursday, September 22nd to support The Pillowcase Project, a preparedness educational program for children in grades 3-5 that teaches them about personal and household preparedness, local hazards, and coping skills. The event was part of the nationwide Wells Fargo Welcome Home initiative, where employees volunteer and participate in events that create more affordable and sustainable homes and communities.
Through The Pillowcase Project, the American Red Cross teaches children how to prevent and stay safe from emergencies. Volunteers assemble a pillowcase that can be used as a ‘go-bag’ by children. As part of the program, they are taught to fill with emergency supplies such as water, food, and first aid for easy transport during a disaster.
During the event, approximately 30 Wells Fargo volunteers helped pack the training materials that will be utilized in school and after-school sessions for the upcoming year. The American Red Cross also hosted a session for Wells Fargo to “Be Red Cross Ready,” a preparedness curriculum for adults that focused on emergency preparedness and hurricane safety. Wells Fargo also presented a $75,000 in support of the organization.
“Natural disasters can strike at any time, but unfortunately, many people are not physically or financially prepared for a disaster, which we experienced firsthand in this region when Superstorm Sandy struck almost 10 years ago,” said David Owen, Chief Administrative Officer at Wells Fargo and Red Cross board member. “With extreme weather and intense storms on the rise, it is more important than ever to be ready for when disaster strikes. Wells Fargo proudly supports the American Red Cross Greater New York Region’s efforts to help prepare - and protect - our fellow New Yorkers.”
“On behalf of the American Red Cross of Greater New York, I’d like to sincerely thank David and the Wells Fargo team for their extraordinary support of our climate resiliency activities across the region. This most recent grant continues a long history of partnership between the Red Cross and Wells Fargo, and we are so proud to join efforts to bring critical education and preparedness resources to our neighbors who need it most,” said Jill Coyle, chair of the Board of Directors, American Red Cross Greater NY Region.
For decades, Wells Fargo and its employees have helped the Red Cross prepare for and respond to domestic and international disasters through generous donations and employee engagement. Wells Fargo has provided nearly $28.7 million in financial support to the Red Cross since 1989. In addition, Wells Fargo’s team members have generously donated their time and energy as volunteers, providing hands-on assistance with programs such as “Ready When the Time Comes,” as well as Disaster Action Teams, blood drives, and other programs. Wells Fargo team members are also very active as Red Cross board and committee members.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets, proudly serves one in three U.S. households and more than 10% of small businesses in the U.S., and is a leading middle market banking provider in the U.S. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 41 on Fortune’s 2022 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy.
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Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com | Twitter: @WellsFargo.